improper behaviours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper behaviours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or conduct that are considered inappropriate or unacceptable in a given context. Example: "The company has a strict policy against improper behaviours in the workplace, including harassment and discrimination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Workers' negative perceptions of women's supposedly improper behaviours have consequences, women said, on how they are received by the nurses.

BMC Health Services Research

They are afraid to tell their children how to protect themselves against the disease for fear it may encourage them to engage in improper behaviours," says actor Fanta Mahamadou.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It denied engaging in any "improper behaviour".

The Guardian

All the major holding companies have denied any improper behaviour.

The Guardian

An individual could incur sin by improper behaviour, especially improper speech.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The party does not tolerate bullying or any other improper behaviour.

The Guardian

Of the potential complaints, 259 referred to improper behaviour, up from 89 in 2012.

The Guardian

The number of complaints relating to improper behaviour has more than tripled since 2012".

The Guardian

From the 17th century onwards, however, it began to mean "a disreputable woman of improper behaviour".

The Guardian - Opinion

Abbott did not make any allegations of corrupt or improper behaviour.

The Guardian

Complaints include sexual, racial and religious harassment and discrimination; bullying; improper behaviour, such as dishonesty and bias; and victimisation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improper behaviours", ensure the context clearly defines what is considered proper or acceptable within that situation. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "improper behaviours" as a vague accusation. Instead, be specific about the actions and why they are considered improper to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper behaviours" functions as a noun phrase, where "improper" modifies the noun "behaviours". According to Ludwig, it is used to describe actions that are not in accordance with accepted standards or rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improper behaviours" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote actions that deviate from established norms or rules. While not overly frequent, its usage is consistent across various contexts, including news, science, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes clear what constitutes proper conduct to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "inappropriate conduct" or "unacceptable behavior" may offer greater precision depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate conduct

This alternative uses a more formal tone to describe unacceptable actions.

unacceptable behavior

This alternative emphasizes the lack of acceptance of the actions.

misconduct

This is a more concise term for actions that are wrong or inappropriate.

wrongdoing

This term suggests actions that are illegal or morally wrong.

unethical actions

This phrase highlights the moral dimension of the behaviors.

deviant behaviors

This alternative suggests actions that deviate significantly from societal norms.

transgressions

A formal term indicating a violation of rules or laws.

illicit activities

This phrase indicates actions that are illegal or forbidden.

unprofessional behavior

This focuses on actions that violate professional standards.

rule violations

This alternative specifies that the behaviors break established rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "improper behaviours" to describe actions that are considered inappropriate or unacceptable within a specific context. For example: "The company has a strict policy against "improper behaviours" in the workplace."

What are some alternatives to "improper behaviours"?

Some alternatives include "inappropriate conduct", "unacceptable behavior", or "misconduct", depending on the specific context.

What distinguishes "improper behaviours" from "unethical actions"?

"Improper behaviours" generally refer to actions that violate norms or rules, while "unethical actions" /s/unethical+actions specifically highlight violations of moral principles. The former is broader and not always morally wrong, whereas the latter always carries a negative moral judgement.

Is "improper behaviours" formal or informal language?

"Improper behaviours" has a relatively neutral tone. More formal alternatives exist, such as "inappropriate conduct", while more informal terms might be used in casual conversation.