grossly improper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grossly improper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are extremely inappropriate or unacceptable. Example: "The committee found the conduct of the employee to be grossly improper and decided to take disciplinary action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Lackey felt that the overture was grossly improper, possibly even criminal.

The New Yorker

Black Britain (BBC2) detailed the numerous breaches of good practice involved in his conviction - from grossly improper identification parades to the withholding of crucial evidence.

Independent

But it would have provided official acknowledgement that the conduct of C.I.A. officials was grossly improper, which is crucial to preventing a recurrence by successors.

The New York Times

The punishment could also be imposed for "grossly improper conduct" not involving a criminal offence, and Lords would be allowed to resign for the first time.

Independent

His hemispheric policies are consistent with this authoritarian approach, and include grossly improper declaratory interventions in the domestic politics of Nicaragua, Bolivia and Peru.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the 1980s, "a significant number of police officers in that squad, some of whom rose to very senior rank, behaved outrageously, and in particular extracted confessions by grossly improper means, amounting in some cases to torture.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The clawback provision appearing in the company's proxy statement applies to "improper or grossly negligent failure, including in a supervisory capacity, to identify, escalate, monitor or manage… risks material to the Company".

Los Angeles Times

"These improper actions," the report added, "constitute grossly demeaning behavior directed at players, and occasionally at coaches, that do not appear necessary to build a high quality basketball program or to build a winning Division I basketball team".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Rerngchai denies the charges, and has launched a countersuit against the current bank chief and two other officials for improper procedure.The whole exercise seems grossly unfair, in that many other officials and politicians must have had a hand in the policy, as well as pointless, in that Mr Rerngchai seems unlikely to stump up the 186 billion baht he is alleged to owe.

The Economist

Third, this report demonstrates that improper selection of a suitable reference gene can lead to grossly inaccurate data that would significantly affect interpretation of biological outcome and study conclusions.

Plosone

Grossly unlikely.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grossly improper", ensure the context clearly indicates a serious violation of ethical, moral, or legal standards. Avoid using it for minor infractions or disagreements.

Common error

Avoid using "grossly improper" to describe trivial mistakes or disagreements. This phrase is reserved for significant breaches of conduct, and overuse can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grossly improper" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the impropriety of the action or behavior being described. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys a significant deviation from accepted standards.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grossly improper" is a phrase used to describe actions or behaviors that significantly violate established standards or norms. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent, indicating a clear understanding and application of its meaning. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the serious nature of an impropriety, and consider alternatives like "highly inappropriate" or "blatantly unethical" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly inappropriate

Emphasizes the unsuitability of the action, differing in the degree of severity.

blatantly unethical

Focuses on the violation of ethical principles, highlighting the obviousness of the transgression.

patently unacceptable

Stresses the lack of acceptance due to the evident nature of the impropriety.

utterly reprehensible

Highlights the deserving of condemnation nature of the action, focusing on moral judgment.

egregiously wrong

Emphasizes the exceptional level of wrongness associated with the action.

flagrantly improper

Indicates an open and scandalous impropriety, differing in the emphasis on public perception.

scandalously inappropriate

Focuses on the potential for public scandal and shame resulting from the action.

thoroughly unprofessional

Highlights the lack of professional conduct, differing in its specific focus on professional standards.

completely out of line

Stresses the transgression of established boundaries, differing in its informal tone.

totally unacceptable conduct

Focuses on the unacceptable nature of the behavior, using a more descriptive phrase.

FAQs

What does "grossly improper" mean?

The phrase "grossly improper" describes behavior or actions that are significantly inappropriate, unethical, or unacceptable. It implies a severe violation of standards or norms.

How can I use "grossly improper" in a sentence?

You can use "grossly improper" to describe conduct, actions, or decisions that seriously violate ethical or professional standards. For example: "The investigation revealed "grossly improper" use of funds by the treasurer."

What are some alternatives to "grossly improper"?

Alternatives to "grossly improper" include "highly inappropriate", "blatantly unethical", or "patently unacceptable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "grossly improper" formal or informal?

"Grossly improper" is considered a relatively formal phrase, suitable for professional, legal, or journalistic contexts. It's less common in casual conversation.