improper reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a justification or rationale that is not appropriate or acceptable in a given context. Example: "The committee rejected his application because he provided an improper reason for his absence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, there are rules that banks have to follow about treating customers fairly and no bank or building society should decide to close an account for an improper reason.

The Guardian - Money

Mr. Sampson replied, "I don't feel like I had any safeguards in the process". GONZALES: Senator, I would never ask someone to leave a position as United States attorney for an improper reason.

The Washington Post

"It was not done to protect the Savile tribute programmes or for any improper reason".

BBC

Keiser also has denied that the non-profit conversion of his school was for any improper reason, and he told the Times that the $521 valuation was arrived at by two independent auditors.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"And we think she's holding it hostage for improper reasons and it should get out".

The New York Times - Arts

I'm not aware that anyone based their recommendation on improper reasons.

The Washington Post

"I really don't have any concerns about either side exercising challenges for improper reasons," Judge Raggi said.

The New York Times

If, in fact, someone did something, made a recommendation for improper reasons, yes, there's going to be accountability.

The Washington Post

KENNEDY: Well, I'm going to ask you, how can you know that none of them were removed for improper reasons?

The Washington Post

I don't believe that he would make a recommendation based upon improper reasons that a former colleague, a United States attorney, should be removed.

The Washington Post

CARDIN: Mr. Sampson acknowledged a lack of foresight that people would perceive it as being done to influence a case for improper reasons.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating actions or decisions, clearly articulate why the stated reason is "improper" by providing specific details or evidence. This adds credibility to your analysis and helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a reason as "improper" without offering supporting arguments or evidence. Provide context and explain why the stated reason is flawed or unacceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper reason" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "improper" modifies the noun "reason". It typically serves to describe a reason that is not valid, ethical, or acceptable in a given context. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "improper reason" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase denoting a flawed or unacceptable justification. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, including news media, academic discussions, and scientific reports. The phrase serves to express criticism or doubt regarding the validity of a stated reason, often suggesting an underlying or hidden motive. Considering that the AI indicates correct and usable English. Alternatives such as "unjustified reason" and "illegitimate reason" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustified reason

Indicates a reason lacking adequate justification or support.

inadequate reason

Highlights the insufficiency or incompleteness of the stated reason.

illegitimate reason

Suggests that the reason is not in accordance with accepted rules or principles.

invalid reason

Emphasizes the lack of logical or factual basis for the reason.

unsound reason

Implies that the reasoning is flawed or unreliable.

false pretense

Highlights the deceptive or misleading nature of the presented reason.

unacceptable rationale

Focuses on the inappropriateness or unsuitability of the provided reasoning.

specious justification

Highlights a seemingly plausible but ultimately flawed or deceptive justification.

flimsy excuse

Indicates a weak or unconvincing reason offered as a justification.

hollow explanation

Suggests that the provided explanation lacks substance or sincerity.

FAQs

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

You can use "improper reason" to describe a justification that is not appropriate or acceptable in a given context. For example, "The decision was criticized because it appeared to be based on an improper reason."

What are some alternatives to "improper reason"?

Alternatives include "unjustified reason", "inadequate reason", or "illegitimate reason", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "improper reason" and "improper motive"?

"Improper reason" refers to the stated justification for an action, while "improper motive" refers to the underlying, possibly hidden, reason. The stated reason may or may not reflect the true motive.

What makes a reason "improper"?

A reason can be considered "improper" if it is based on incorrect information, violates ethical standards, conflicts with established rules, or is used to conceal a more problematic underlying motive.