behaving properly

USAGE SUMMARY

"behaving properly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone's behavior, for example: "The students were asked to begin behaving properly in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Even the Leaderboards aren't behaving properly.

The Guardian - Tech

Was he photographed as an example of somebody who was not behaving properly on community service?

The Guardian

From prescribing what art should be about to proscribing it for not behaving properly is, evidently, but a short step.

The New York Times

I have some programs that do not seem to be behaving properly since I reinstalled them after upgrading to Windows XP.

The New York Times - Tech

I support the idea that if you get people who are convicted of anti-social behaviour, and who again have every chance, in most of these cases, of behaving properly, and they refuse to do so.

The Guardian

Later on Wednesday, the public will be able to read the prince's correspondence with ministers, albeit only from September 2004 to April 2005, and make their own judgment on whether the prince has been behaving properly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Behave properly, please, for him".

The New York Times

Did the police officer behave properly?

The New York Times - Magazine

She wanted us to behave properly.

The New Yorker

"The soldiers did not behave properly," Ibrahim scowled.

The New Yorker

"Life was more gentle and people behaved properly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing expectations for conduct in formal settings, use "behaving properly" to clearly communicate the importance of adhering to established norms and etiquette.

Common error

While "behaving properly" is suitable for formal situations, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "acting right" or "being good" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behaving properly" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of conducting oneself in an acceptable or expected manner. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behaving properly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that conveys the idea of acting in accordance with established norms or expectations. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical status. It's most frequently encountered in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts and carries a neutral to formal tone. When writing, it's best to use it in situations where adherence to rules or etiquette is being emphasized, while simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting appropriately

Focuses on the manner of acting, emphasizing suitability to the context.

conducting oneself well

Implies a broader sense of behavior and personal bearing.

acting responsibly

Highlights the aspect of accountability and sensible actions.

functioning correctly

Shifts the focus to the proper operation of a system or object rather than personal conduct.

displaying good manners

Refers specifically to adherence to social etiquette.

maintaining decorum

Emphasizes dignified and polite behavior, especially in formal settings.

performing as expected

Relates to fulfilling anticipated standards or requirements.

obeying the rules

Focuses on adherence to specific regulations or guidelines.

operating within guidelines

Emphasizes adherence to established procedures or boundaries.

remaining compliant

Stresses the act of conforming to mandates or legal requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "behaving properly" in a sentence?

You can use "behaving properly" to describe an expectation or observation of conduct, such as: "The teacher expects all students to begin behaving properly in class" or "The software is behaving properly after the update".

What are some alternatives to "behaving properly"?

Some alternatives include "acting appropriately", "conducting oneself well", or "functioning correctly" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "behaving properly" or "acting properly"?

Both "behaving properly" and "acting properly" are acceptable, but "behaving properly" might emphasize a general standard of conduct, while acting properly emphasizes the manner of acting in a specific situation.

What does it mean when something is described as "behaving properly"?

When something is described as "behaving properly", it means it's adhering to expected standards of conduct, functionality, or etiquette. This could apply to people, software, or even equipment.