improper for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not suitable or appropriate for a particular situation or context. Example: "The behavior exhibited during the meeting was deemed improper for a professional setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It seemed improper for Grant to help her.

The New Yorker

Until there is some finality, it would be improper for the commissioner to do anything".

The New York Times - Sports

"Nonetheless, I think it is improper for outsiders to interfere in the legal processes of Russia".

The New York Times

Brown had previously insisted it was improper for prime ministers to join byelection campaigns.

The Guardian

"It is improper for a judge to sit on the FREE board," Professor Freedman said.

The New York Times

"Now, isn't it improper for someone who is so high profile to be smoking reefer in front of children?

The New York Times

Thousands of women in professional jobs were removed because their jobs were thought improper for Muslim women.

The New York Times

Opera officials assert that it is improper for the union to pressure the Met in any way.

The New York Times

He taught that it was improper for Jews to engage in dialogue on theological issues with people of other faiths.

The New York Times

"But the legal process has to run its course, and it's improper for him to be involved at all".

The New York Times

Mr. Silver agreed to meet, but warned that it would be improper for the senator to be present.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "improper for" when referring to violations of rules, laws, ethical codes, or established norms. It is especially useful in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "improper for" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more colloquial alternatives like "not right for" or "wrong for" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is not suitable or appropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to describe actions or behaviors that violate established norms or rules. Examples from Ludwig show it being used in legal, ethical and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "improper for" is a versatile construct used to denote that something is not suitable, appropriate, or ethically aligned with a given context. It functions as an adjective phrase, often appearing in formal and neutral registers, particularly within news and media, science and formal business communications. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. While "improper for" is considered grammatically correct, alternative phrases such as "inappropriate for" or "unsuitable for" may be more appropriate in casual settings. Remember to clearly define the violated standards and tailor the phrasing to suit the specific context. Over 50 real-world examples of "improper for" highlight its widespread applicability and contextual significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate for

Direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of suitability or fittingness.

unsuitable for

Similar to "improper", indicating a lack of the right qualities for a specific purpose or situation.

unacceptable for

Highlights that something does not meet required standards or is not permissible.

not fitting for

Emphasizes that something does not align well or is not appropriate in a given situation.

out of place for

Suggests that something is not in harmony or consistent with its surroundings or context.

wrong for

A more general term indicating that something is not the right choice or action in a situation.

inadvisable for

Suggests that a particular action or choice is not recommended due to potential negative consequences.

inconsistent with

Indicates a lack of alignment or agreement with established standards or practices.

not done for

Informal way of saying that something is unacceptable or not socially appropriate.

contrary to

Highlights that something goes against or opposes established norms or guidelines.

FAQs

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

Use "improper for" to describe something that is unsuitable or inappropriate in a specific context. For example, "It is "improper for" a journalist to accept bribes".

What's the difference between "improper for" and "inappropriate for"?

While both phrases are similar, "improper for" often implies a violation of rules or ethical standards, whereas "inappropriate for" can refer to something that is merely unsuitable or unfitting.

What can I say instead of "improper for"?

You can use alternatives such as "unsuitable for", "inappropriate for", or "unacceptable for" depending on the context.

When is it "improper for" someone to take certain actions?

It is "improper for" someone to act against established rules, ethical guidelines, or legal standards. The specific actions deemed improper vary based on the context.