be disproportionate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be disproportionate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is not in proportion or is unequal in size, amount, or degree compared to something else. Example: "The penalties for minor infractions seem to be disproportionate to the actual offenses committed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That new grille may be disproportionate.

The New York Times

Such action would be disproportionate".

The New York Times

A total ban would surely be disproportionate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ministers had previously said such a measure would be disproportionate.

The Guardian

Responding with violence would be disproportionate, which leaves diplomacy and sanctions.

The Economist

Women also participate in the political process, although representation tends to be disproportionate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further action by Ofcom would be "disproportionate and unnecessary," the BBC said.

The Guardian

It would therefore be disproportionate for Ipso to uphold the complaint.

The Guardian

The discussions have led us to the belief that punitive action against Nick would be disproportionate.

The Guardian

Blacks will be disproportionate beneficiaries of this approach because they make up a disproportionate part of the underclass.

The Economist

We are now at the point where further repairs are uneconomical – the disruption and cost would be disproportionate.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be disproportionate" to highlight situations where the impact, size, or consequence is unfairly or inappropriately related to the cause or initial condition.

Common error

Avoid using "be disproportionate" without clearly establishing the baseline or standard of comparison. Without this, the statement lacks context and may be misinterpreted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be disproportionate" primarily functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, indicating a state of lacking proper proportion or balance. It is frequently used to express that something is not in line with expectations or standards, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be disproportionate" is a versatile expression used to denote a lack of proper proportion or balance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase serves to highlight situations where an element seems out of sync with its cause or context. When writing, ensure that your comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives such as "be out of proportion" or "be unbalanced" to fine-tune your message. Remember, the key is to provide clear context for your comparison, as it allows the writer to deliver its message and showcase their meaning with precision and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be out of proportion

Emphasizes a visible or noticeable lack of balance or harmony.

be unbalanced

Focuses on the lack of equilibrium or even distribution.

be lopsided

Suggests an uneven or asymmetrical distribution, often implying a visual skew.

be unequal

Highlights the difference in size, amount, or degree between two or more things.

be excessive

Indicates that something goes beyond what is considered normal, reasonable, or acceptable.

be unwarranted

Suggests that something is not justified or deserved, often implying a negative consequence.

be inordinate

Implies that something is unusually large or excessive.

be uncalled for

Indicates that something is inappropriate or unnecessary in a given situation.

be over the top

Suggests that something is exaggerated or goes beyond reasonable limits.

be skewed

Focuses on a deviation from what is normal or expected, suggesting a bias or distortion.

FAQs

How can I use "be disproportionate" in a sentence?

The phrase "be disproportionate" is used to describe something that is out of proportion or unequal in relation to something else. For example, "The punishment seems to "be disproportionate" to the crime."

What is a synonym for "be disproportionate"?

Alternatives to "be disproportionate" include "be out of proportion", "be unbalanced", or "be unequal". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "be disproportionate" differ from "be unfair"?

"Be disproportionate" emphasizes a lack of balance or proper relationship between things. "Be unfair" focuses on a lack of justice or equity. Something can "be disproportionate" without necessarily being unfair, and vice versa.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "be disproportionate"?

The phrase "be disproportionate" is grammatically correct; however, misuse occurs when the comparison isn't clear. Ensure that the context clearly defines what is being compared and why the relationship is not proportionate.