appearance of propriety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appearance of propriety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the perception of appropriateness or decorum in a particular situation or context. Example: "The organization maintained an appearance of propriety during the investigation to uphold its reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But Cox's tenure — and Nixon's appearance of propriety — did not last long.

The Washington Post

Chanel's respect for the appearance of propriety was the adaptive trait of the orphan and shopgirl.

The New Yorker

While Instead, this majority approval was put in voluntarily by Dell and the buyers to give the appearance of propriety to Dell's shareholders.

The New York Times

All of the Henricksons — and there are seven children among them — keep up the appearance of propriety while begging to be exposed.

The New York Times - Arts

The report chastises Meese for abusing the tolerance written into certain laws, for showing insensitivity to the appearance of propriety, and for doing other things that by almost any standard but Meese's were wrong.

The New Yorker

The report chastises Meese for abusing the tolerance written into certain laws, for showing insensitivity to the appearance of propriety, and for doing other things that by almost any standard but Meese's were wrong..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As someone who is always comparing herself with others, Hedda puts great store in appearances and in the show of propriety — she fears scandal.

The New Yorker

It was typical, perhaps, of Whitehall"s pedantic regard for the appearance of financial propriety that a personal cheque was later collected from each attendee for their share of the price of the food and drink.

The Guardian

Again and again the chaste Suzanne, a child ostensibly conceived in sin, is forced to bear the burden of other people's desires, even in a social order that demands the appearance of strict propriety.

Los Angeles Times

Tendentious though the article was, it kept, just, within the bounds of propriety.What did not was Mr Brown's appearance on television a day or so later, telling bewildered viewers how miffed he was not to have been given a place by Mr Blair on Labour's National Executive Committee.

The Economist

Along with her sense of propriety, Mr. Talley absorbed her conviction that attention to appearances would always see one through.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appearance of propriety" when you want to express that something seems correct or ethical on the surface, even if the reality might be different. Be mindful of the potential implication of superficiality or deception.

Common error

Don't use "appearance of propriety" when you mean actual propriety. This phrase implies a potential disconnect between how things seem and how they truly are. Instead, just use "propriety" if the correctness or ethical nature of something is genuine and demonstrable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appearance of propriety" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the outward perception of ethical correctness or legitimacy, often implying a potential discrepancy between perception and reality. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appearance of propriety" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe a situation that outwardly seems ethical and correct, but may not be so upon closer inspection. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides relevant examples. It's important to note that while this phrase is useful for expressing skepticism or caution, it should not be used when genuine propriety is meant. News & Media is its primary context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

semblance of correctness

Emphasizes the superficial similarity to being correct, potentially lacking genuine correctness.

image of correctness

Stresses the perceived correctness, which might not align with actual accuracy or truth.

veneer of legitimacy

Highlights a thin, deceptive layer that creates an impression of legitimacy.

facade of respectability

Highlights a deceptive outward image of being respectable, potentially hiding less savory realities.

air of respectability

Focuses on the impression of being respectable, suggesting it might not be entirely genuine.

pretense of ethical behavior

Focuses on the act of pretending to be ethical, suggesting underlying unethical conduct.

outward show of decorum

Stresses the external display of proper behavior, without necessarily reflecting internal values.

guise of ethical conduct

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of appearing ethical, potentially masking questionable actions.

superficial legitimacy

Focuses on the fact that the legitimacy is only skin-deep and not real.

display of ethical standards

Emphasizes the visual representation of following ethical standards.

FAQs

How can I use "appearance of propriety" in a sentence?

You can use "appearance of propriety" to describe situations where something seems correct or ethical on the surface, even if the reality may be different. For example: "The company took steps to maintain an "appearance of propriety" during the investigation."

What's the difference between ""appearance of propriety"" and actual propriety?

"Appearance of propriety" suggests that something seems proper, while actual propriety means it is proper. The former implies a potential for deception or superficiality, whereas the latter indicates genuine ethical correctness.

What can I say instead of "appearance of propriety"?

You can use alternatives like "semblance of correctness", "veneer of legitimacy", or "pretense of ethical behavior" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "appearance of propriety"?

The phrase is suitable in contexts where there's a need to discuss whether something is really ethical or legal or simply looks that way. It's often used in discussions about politics, business, and ethics.