are not appropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not appropriate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unsuitable or not fitting for a particular context or situation. Example: "The comments made during the meeting are not appropriate for a professional setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Military analogies are not appropriate.

The New York Times - Health

Sands' habiliments are not appropriate in a civilian milieu.

The New Yorker

They are not appropriate for the 21st century".

The Guardian

These are not appropriate methods vis- is a European ally.

The New York Times

Often, they are not appropriate for a family newspaper.

The New York Times - Sports

For that reason, boxes are not appropriate for aging wines.

The New York Times

"Any political talks or discussions are not appropriate for the Olympic Games," he said.

The Guardian

But secret tribunals are not appropriate forums to resolve questions of constitutional law about secrecy itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sanctions are not appropriate for people suffering severe mental health problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, the law recognises that for addicts certain sanctions are not appropriate.

The Guardian

"Many laws are not enforced just because they are not appropriate any longer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not appropriate" when you want to express that something doesn't fit a specific context or situation. Ensure that your sentence clearly indicates what is considered inappropriate and why.

Common error

While "are not appropriate" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "aren't right" or "don't fit" when speaking with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not appropriate" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to express that something lacks suitability or fitness for a specific context. Ludwig AI highlights numerous examples where this phrase clearly indicates disapproval or unsuitability in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not appropriate" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey that something is unsuitable or unfitting in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, especially in formal and scientific settings. While alternatives like "are unsuitable" or "are improper" may be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey, "are not appropriate" provides a clear and direct way to express that something does not meet the required standards or expectations. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the tone aligns with the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unsuitable

Implies a stronger sense of inadequacy or unfitness.

are unfitting

Emphasizes the lack of harmony or agreement with established norms.

are ill-suited

Highlights the poor match or compatibility for a specific purpose.

are improper

Suggests a violation of established rules, decorum, or ethical standards.

are inadmissible

Refers to something not allowed or acceptable, especially in legal or formal settings.

are out of place

Indicates that something is not in its correct or expected location or context.

are inapt

Highlights a lack of skill or aptitude; poorly chosen or expressed.

are not permissible

Emphasizes that something is officially not allowed by a set of rules or law.

are unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something does not meet required standards or expectations.

are discordant

Describes something that clashes or lacks harmony with its surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "are not appropriate" in a sentence?

You can use "are not appropriate" to indicate that certain actions, comments, or items are unsuitable for a specific situation. For example, "Those jokes "are not appropriate" for a formal setting."

What can I say instead of "are not appropriate"?

You can use alternatives like "are unsuitable", "are unfitting", or "are improper" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are not appropriate" or "is not appropriate"?

Use "are not appropriate" for plural nouns and "is not appropriate" for singular nouns. For example, "Those actions "are not appropriate"" versus "That action "is not appropriate"".

What's the difference between "are not appropriate" and "are inappropriate"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "are not appropriate" is generally considered slightly more formal than "are inappropriate". Both can be used to express that something isn't suitable or fitting for a given situation.