appropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'appropriate' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that means suitable, right, or proper, and can be used in many contexts. For example, you could say, "I thought the dress was an appropriate choice for the wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seemed appropriate.

The New York Times - Sports

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the government was "carefully studying" the judgment to determine an appropriate response, but he strongly signalled his determination to find a way to ensure the chaplaincy program continued.

The Guardian

Ministers promise to provide for "appropriate oversight arrangements and safeguards", but there is no immediate detail on how the complex web of intelligence and surveillance commissioners and parliamentary oversight might be strengthened.

The Guardian

But as with work done prior to the Scottish referendum, we will disclose the details of such work at the appropriate time.

The Guardian - Business

During the subsequent eight years, the question of what sort of music it is appropriate for an Idol winner to record and release has been front and centre of Clarkson's career.

The Guardian - Music

Labor's letter said the government should "negotiate with our international partner countries to ensure appropriate standby and evacuation management arrangements for any Australian personnel".

The Guardian

The financial crisis has certainly squeezed health budgets across the EU, and in Germany, consultants say that the state cannot afford the appropriate treatment for the large numbers of depression patients who present.

The Guardian

We know many finance directors are calling for the pace of service transformation to be quickened to help with delivering high quality, safe care in an efficient and appropriate manner.

The Guardian

In a judgment against the Kremlin, a tribunal in the Hague ruled that the Russian state had sought to bankrupt Yukos, appropriate its assets and prevent its owner, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, from entering politics.

The Guardian - Business

There is a new gateway at each incremental point and every year you have to demonstrate that you are at the appropriate level of competency to be moved up an increment.

The Guardian

It is intended to cut costs and speed up criminal trials by building what the police refer to as "appropriate case files" that contain the minimum forensic evidence needed to secure a conviction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing between synonyms for "appropriate", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Suitable" is more general, while "proper" emphasizes adherence to rules, and "fitting" highlights aesthetic harmony.

Common error

While "appropriate" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "okay" or "right" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "appropriate" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their suitability or fitness for a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying nouns like "measure", "response", and "treatment".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "appropriate" is a versatile and frequently used adjective that signifies suitability or fittingness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it a valuable asset in both formal and informal communication. While synonyms like "suitable", "fitting", and "proper" offer nuanced alternatives, "appropriate" remains a reliable choice across various contexts. Remember to consider the specific tone and formality of your writing to ensure you select the most fitting term. "Appropriate" is very common, so you can count on finding relevant usages for it in different sentences and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suitable

Emphasizes the quality of being right or well-suited for a particular purpose or occasion; it's slightly more general than "appropriate".

fitting

Highlights the harmonious or aesthetically pleasing match between something and its context, conveying a sense of elegance.

proper

Stresses adherence to established rules, customs, or standards, often implying a sense of decorum or formality.

apt

Suggests a natural or inherent suitability, highlighting how perfectly something aligns with a specific situation.

felicitous

Implies a particularly happy or well-chosen expression or action, often adding a touch of grace or elegance.

relevant

Focuses on the direct connection or pertinence of something to the matter at hand, ensuring it is closely related and applicable.

applicable

Indicates the capability of being applied to or relevant in a particular case, emphasizing the practical use.

suited

Focuses on how well something meets specific requirements or needs; often used in contexts where compatibility is key.

befitting

Emphasizes the appropriateness of something in relation to a specific role, status, or occasion; it carries a sense of dignity.

opportune

Highlights the timing or advantageousness of something, suggesting it occurs at the most favorable moment.

FAQs

How to use "appropriate" in a sentence?

"Appropriate" is used to describe something that is suitable or fitting for a particular situation or purpose. For example, "Is this an "appropriate time" to discuss this matter?" or "Ensure you wear "appropriate attire" for the interview."

What can I say instead of "appropriate"?

You can use alternatives like "suitable", "fitting", "proper", or "relevant" depending on the context. Each alternative carries slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "appropriate" or "inappropriate"?

"Appropriate" means suitable or fitting, while "inappropriate" is its direct opposite, meaning unsuitable or not fitting. The correct choice depends on the context and the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "appropriate" and "acceptable"?

"Appropriate" suggests something is suitable or fitting for a specific situation, while "acceptable" implies something meets a minimum standard or is tolerable. Something can be acceptable without being the most "appropriate choice".