fitting and proper

USAGE SUMMARY

"fitting and proper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something which is appropriate in terms of correctness or appropriateness. For example: "It is fitting and proper for a business to practice ethical behaviour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mike Tomlin's demeanor was fitting and proper.

The New York Times - Sports

It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

Britannica

Believes in abolition of all government which would make everything fitting and proper.

The New Yorker

Think about how Lincoln's message encompasses but goes beyond paying "fitting and proper" respect to the dead and the bereaved.

The New York Times

At long last, someone in authority has had the courage to render to him what is fitting and proper.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's fitting and proper he should be there to see the Doctor off – if that's what happens," Tennant teased, speaking of Simm's return as the Master.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It will be a fitting conclusion and proper contest.

BBC

The Amplified Bible translation expands on the "submission" scriptures: "Wives, be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them] as is right and fitting and your proper duty to the Lord".

Huffington Post

That would be only fitting and historically proper.

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel the storyline really honours their relationship and their love story - it's fitting and it's proper and it's what people are living with every single day and I think it's important to tell those stories," she said.

BBC

"Consumers should understand that decorative contact lenses, like contact lenses intended for correcting vision, present serious risks to eye health if they are distributed without a valid prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional," Dr. Lester Crawford, the deputy commissioner of the food and drug agency, said in a statement.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fitting and proper" when you want to emphasize that something is not only appropriate but also adheres to established standards or customs. It adds a sense of formality and correctness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fitting and proper" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in such contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "appropriate" or "suitable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fitting and proper" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that something is both suitable and in accordance with established norms or standards. It emphasizes a sense of correctness and appropriateness, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fitting and proper" is a commonly used phrase, deemed correct by Ludwig, that functions as a compound adjective to describe something that is both suitable and adheres to established standards. It's predominantly found in News & Media, Academic and Encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the desired tone of formality, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "appropriate and proper" or "suitable and proper" may be more suitable in less formal situations. This analysis synthesizes usage patterns and grammatical function, providing a comprehensive understanding of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appropriate and proper

Both adjectives maintain a similar tone, but "appropriate" suggests suitability for a specific situation.

suitable and proper

"Suitable" emphasizes meeting requirements, while "proper" focuses on correctness or etiquette.

apt and proper

"Apt" highlights a natural or inherent appropriateness, offering a slight nuance compared to the general suitability implied by "fitting".

fitting and right

"Right" emphasizes moral or ethical correctness, slightly shifting the focus from mere appropriateness.

adequate and proper

"Adequate" indicates sufficiency, whereas "proper" suggests adherence to standards of correctness or decorum.

fair and proper

"Fair" introduces the element of impartiality and justice, which the original phrase doesn't inherently convey.

expedient and proper

"Expedient" focuses on practicality and effectiveness, potentially at the expense of other considerations.

worthy and proper

"Worthy" indicates deservingness, adding a layer of merit to the appropriateness.

fitting and decent

"Decent" implies adherence to moral standards and respectability, emphasizing social acceptability.

fitting and correct

"Correct" focuses more on factual accuracy and precision, whereas "proper" relates to conventions.

FAQs

How can I use "fitting and proper" in a sentence?

You can use "fitting and proper" to describe actions, behaviors, or decisions that are both appropriate and in accordance with established norms or standards. For example, "It is "altogether fitting and proper" that we honor the veterans on Memorial Day".

What are some synonyms for "fitting and proper"?

Some synonyms for "fitting and proper" include "appropriate and proper", "suitable and proper", and "apt and proper". These alternatives can be used to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it redundant to say "fitting and proper"?

While "fitting" and "proper" share overlapping meanings, using them together can emphasize the dual nature of appropriateness and adherence to standards. The phrase is commonly used and generally not considered overly redundant.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "fitting and proper"?

The phrase "fitting and proper" is best used in formal contexts where you want to convey a sense of decorum, tradition, or adherence to established rules. It is often used in legal documents, formal speeches, and official statements.