entirely inappropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely inappropriate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is not suitable or acceptable in a particular situation. For example: "His choice of words were entirely inappropriate for such a formal gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That would be entirely inappropriate.

The Guardian - Sport

And "sinister" is not entirely inappropriate.

The New York Times

It's not an entirely inappropriate ending.

The Guardian

Hannah's mime is not entirely inappropriate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

An aircraft is an entirely inappropriate flight of the imagination".

The New Yorker

Equity release was entirely inappropriate in this case.

The Guardian - Money

Nonetheless, he called the bonuses "entirely inappropriate" and "unseemly".

The New York Times

When these conditions do not hold, simulation is less effective or entirely inappropriate.

Artificial Intelligence

It was entirely inappropriate to expect the class members to create such a typology sua sponte.

Harvard University

Obviously there are some shows where it would be entirely inappropriate.

Independent

"The description of Palestinian people is entirely inappropriate and apologise unreservedly for the offence caused".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "entirely inappropriate". In highly formal settings, slightly more euphemistic alternatives may be preferable.

Common error

While "entirely inappropriate" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "not cool" or "way out of line" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely inappropriate" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, expressing a strong negative judgment about its suitability or acceptability. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entirely inappropriate" is a strong and versatile expression used to convey that something is completely unsuitable or unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is "very common" across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific, and academic writing. When using "entirely inappropriate", be mindful of your audience and consider whether the level of emphasis is truly warranted. More relaxed alternatives might be preferable in informal settings, while more formal alternatives could be considered in highly formal contexts. By understanding its nuances and alternatives, you can effectively use "entirely inappropriate" to express disapproval or unsuitability in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Wholly unsuitable

Replaces "inappropriate" with "unsuitable" and "entirely" with "wholly", maintaining the strong negative connotation.

Completely unacceptable

Substitutes "inappropriate" with "unacceptable", emphasizing the lack of permissibility.

Utterly improper

Replaces "inappropriate" with "improper", suggesting a violation of standards or etiquette.

Totally out of line

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that something has crossed acceptable boundaries.

Quite out of order

Similar to 'totally out of line', but may carry a slightly more formal tone.

Decidedly wrong

Shifts the focus to the incorrectness of something, rather than its unsuitability.

Far from appropriate

Highlights the great distance between what is and what should be appropriate.

Patently unfit

Implies something is obviously not suitable for a specific purpose or situation.

Simply not done

Emphasizes that something violates established social norms or expectations.

Absolutely not the right thing

A more descriptive phrase that emphasizes the unsuitability of an action or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely inappropriate" in a sentence?

You can use "entirely inappropriate" to describe behavior, actions, or comments that are not suitable or acceptable in a particular situation. For example, "His behavior at the meeting was "entirely inappropriate"."

What phrases can I use instead of "entirely inappropriate"?

Alternatives include "wholly unsuitable", "completely unacceptable", or "totally out of line", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "entirely inappropriate" a formal expression?

"Entirely inappropriate" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a degree of emphasis that makes it suitable for situations where you want to express strong disapproval or unsuitability.

What makes something "entirely inappropriate" rather than just "inappropriate"?

The addition of "entirely" intensifies the degree of inappropriateness. It suggests that something is not just somewhat unsuitable, but completely and utterly so, leaving no room for doubt or mitigation.