appropriately

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "appropriately" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is done in a way that is suitable or proper for the situation. Example sentence: The teacher praised the student for responding appropriately to her questions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Data protection authorities seem content to rely on search engines' application of the ruling's balancing test, citing low appeal rates as evidence that the balance is being appropriately struck.

The Guardian - Tech

Now making new wave (or perhaps, more appropriately nu-wave), this glorious single is picking up a bit of Radio 1 play, and will show it off during Hackney's Field Day festival this weekend.

The Guardian - Music

The rubber devices, appropriately known as gap-fillers, are fixed to the sides of platforms near the doors and have apparently eradicated accidents during a year-long trial.

The Guardian

By not being appropriately represented on the plan, the city's urban poor lacked the opportunity to empower themselves.

The Guardian

Several competing explanations attempt to reconcile these trends, and getting it right is essential for calibrating monetary and fiscal policy appropriately.

The Guardian - Business

All recommendations were redacted but the report noted service providers were "limited in their ability to proactively address mental health issues, identify children at risk, determine if a threat is real and to respond appropriately".

The Guardian

But as Australia joins the 190-plus other countries navigating the climate stepping stones, it's hard to know whether the Aussies are wearing rubber thongs (those are flip-flops to foreigners) or appropriately stout walking boots.

The Guardian

This weekend they had a sponsor on their shirt: appropriately, for the film Indomitable.

The Guardian - Sport

Zoe Reyners is, appropriately, in a taxi on her way to lunch when we talk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The portrayal of violence is appropriately limited and is shown within the context of long-running storylines – and programmes that include scenes which some people may find upsetting are clearly flagged to viewers at the beginning of the broadcast.

The Guardian

It is for the prime minister to decide whether he expressed himself appropriately in the Commons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appropriately", ensure that the context clearly defines the standard or expectation against which the action is being judged. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "appropriately" without a clear reference point. Saying someone acted "appropriately" is less effective than specifying what standards they met or what expectations they fulfilled. For instance, specify if the action was "appropriately for the occasion".

Linguistic Context

The adverb "appropriately" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action or quality is suitable or fitting for a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used to describe how actions align with expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appropriately" is a versatile adverb used to convey that an action or quality is suitable or fitting for a given situation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts but is also common in formal business and scientific writing. When using this adverb, ensure the context clearly defines the standards or expectations to provide clarity and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suitably

Focuses on the fitting or right nature of something in a given situation.

properly

Emphasizes adherence to rules or standards of correctness.

correctly

Highlights accuracy and freedom from error.

fittingly

Stresses the suitability or aptness of something.

aptly

Implies a natural or inherent suitability.

befittingly

Indicates behavior or actions that are suitable for someone's position or status.

in a fitting manner

Rephrases "appropriately" using a more descriptive and elaborate wording.

as required

Emphasizes meeting necessary conditions or standards.

in accordance with

Highlights compliance with rules, standards or agreements.

by all accounts

According to what everyone says, so it is suitable in the view of most of those concerned.

FAQs

How can I use "appropriately" in a sentence?

The adverb "appropriately" modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating that something is done in a suitable or proper manner. For example, "She dressed "appropriately for the interview"" or "The situation was handled "appropriately by the staff"".

What are some synonyms for "appropriately"?

Alternatives to "appropriately" include "suitably", "properly", "correctly", "fittingly", and "aptly", each carrying slightly different nuances of suitability and correctness.

Is it correct to say "inappropriately" instead of "not appropriately"?

Yes, "inappropriately" is the direct antonym of "appropriately" and is a grammatically correct and efficient way to express the opposite meaning. Saying "inappropriately" conveys the idea of something being done in an unsuitable or improper manner.

When is it better to use "appropriately" over "suitably"?

While "appropriately" and "suitably" are often interchangeable, "appropriately" often implies a stronger sense of adhering to a specific set of standards or expectations. "Suitably" may suggest a more general sense of fitness or adequacy.