be proper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be proper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to behave in a socially acceptable or appropriate manner. Example: "In formal settings, it's important to be proper and respectful towards others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would not be proper.

The Guardian - Film

Listen, it's got to be proper food.

The Guardian

But there must be proper humanitarian access.

The Guardian

It's got to be proper Cornish, OK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there should be proper regulation too.

The Guardian

"There should be proper places for playing sports.

The Guardian

"We would consider those revenues to be proper revenues".

The New York Times

But there should be proper consultation, he says.

The Guardian

"That would not be proper procedure," he said.

The New York Times

But there should be proper labelling, he says.

The Guardian

But there should be proper places for them to go.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Think about the nuance you want to convey. If you aim to emphasize strict adherence to rules, "be correct" might be more suitable. If social decorum is key, then "be appropriate" is a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "be proper" in informal settings where it may sound overly stiff or pretentious. In casual conversations, opt for more relaxed alternatives like "be cool" or "be right" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be proper" functions primarily as a predicate requiring a subject (explicit or implied). Ludwig AI indicates it is used to express a need or suggestion for appropriate behavior or condition. The sentences containing the query show an emphasis on conforming to expectations or rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be proper" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying the need to adhere to established standards of correctness or appropriateness. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to advise, instruct, or evaluate adherence to these standards, predominantly in neutral settings like news media. The phrase is frequently found in contexts related to News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business, and less common in Encyclopedias, Wiki, and Reference. While "be proper" conveys a sense of formality, its use should be tailored to the specific context to avoid sounding overly stiff in informal situations. Alternatives like "be appropriate", "be fitting", and "be suitable" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be appropriate

Replaces "proper" with a synonym emphasizing suitability for a specific context.

be fitting

Substitutes "proper" with a word highlighting the suitability or harmony with a situation.

be suitable

Emphasizes the quality of being right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion, using a direct synonym.

be correct

Focuses on accuracy and adherence to standards, rather than social appropriateness.

be right

Simplifies the phrase to a more general term for being correct or suitable.

be acceptable

Highlights the quality of being tolerated or allowed, rather than ideal or correct.

be in order

Implies that something is following the correct procedure or arrangement.

be the thing to do

Focuses on the socially accepted action in a given situation.

be comme il faut

Uses a French expression indicating adherence to social conventions and etiquette.

be the done thing

Emphasizes a socially conventional or customary action, common in British English.

FAQs

What does "be proper" mean?

The phrase "be proper" means to act or behave in a way that is considered socially acceptable, correct, or appropriate for a given situation. It implies adhering to established standards of etiquette, morality, or procedure.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be proper"?

You can use "be proper" in formal settings or when emphasizing the importance of adhering to established rules or etiquette. It is especially fitting when providing guidance on conduct or evaluating the correctness of an action.

What can I say instead of "be proper"?

You can use alternatives like "be appropriate", "be fitting", or "be suitable" depending on the context. These phrases convey similar meanings of correctness and appropriateness.

Is "be proper" formal?

Yes, "be proper" generally has a formal tone, implying adherence to established social norms and etiquette. In informal settings, it's often better to use less formal alternatives to avoid sounding stiff or pretentious.