improper sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a meaning or interpretation that is not appropriate or accurate in a given context. Example: "The term was used in an improper sense, leading to confusion among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

this integral is understood in the improper sense as the limit (3.5).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

"Thus it appears, that the principle, which opposes any passion, cannot be the same with reason, and is only called so in an improper sense" (T 415).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And it makes sense that it was photography that launched the latest attempt to define proper versus improper art.

The New Yorker

While it isn't typical for a mother to host a shower for her daughter (and was once considered improper), it makes sense for you, or another close friend or relative, to do so in this case.

The New York Times

MAD2 is a key protein in the spindle assembly checkpoint by its ability to sense improper spindle attachment and inhibit the anaphase-promoting-complex [ 35].

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews

While nobody has accused the DynCorp contractors of any improper conduct with the "dancing boys" themselves one has to wonder where their common sense was.

Huffington Post

Note that Bayes factors do not make sense when using improper priors (due to unspecified constants) and are sensitive to vague or default a priori distributions; see [ 20].

BioMed Research International

In a process that involves substrate phosphorylation, Aurora B senses and destabilizes improper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, giving a second chance for successful chromosomes biorientation and alignment, thereby avoiding an aneuploid end [ 9, 46, 47].

BioMed Research International

He adds: "Clearly there were lots of mistakes made, but any sense there would be improper pressure by Stephen Mitchell on a programme about paedophilia is utterly out of court".

The Guardian

Misperception of safety led to improper risk assessment, and a false sense of trust and safety were considered as the main reasons for their not using condoms regularly.

BMC Women's Health

Qualitative analysis identified the following main points: It did not make much sense to them that improper hand hygiene could lead to life threatening events.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improper sense", ensure the context clearly indicates what the proper or intended meaning should be, providing a contrast for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "improper sense" too frequently in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language, such as "incorrect interpretation" or "inaccurate understanding", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper sense" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a term, concept, or idea is being used or understood in a way that deviates from its correct or intended meaning. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improper sense" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an inaccurate or inappropriate understanding of a term or concept. While Ludwig confirms its validity, its relative infrequency suggests that more specific alternatives may often be preferable to improve clarity. Found mostly in scientific and media contexts, the phrase serves to correct misinterpretations. When using "improper sense", it's crucial to clearly define the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "incorrect interpretation" or "inaccurate understanding" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate meaning

Directly addresses the unsuitability of the meaning in a specific context.

incorrect interpretation

Focuses on the act of interpreting something wrongly, rather than the sense or meaning itself.

inaccurate understanding

Highlights the lack of accuracy in comprehending something.

invalid understanding

Indicates that the comprehension is not valid or sound.

false impression

Highlights that the perceived impression is untrue or misleading.

flawed perception

Emphasizes the defect in the way something is perceived.

distorted view

Suggests that the perspective is twisted or misrepresented.

misguided notion

Suggests that the idea is based on faulty guidance or information.

erroneous conception

Indicates that the concept formed is mistaken or incorrect.

unjustified interpretation

Highlights the lack of justification for a particular interpretation.

FAQs

What does "improper sense" mean?

The phrase "improper sense" refers to a meaning or interpretation of something that is not accurate, appropriate, or intended in a particular context.

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

You can use "improper sense" to describe how a word or concept is being used incorrectly, such as "The term 'ironic' was used in an "improper sense" in the song, as the situations described were merely unfortunate, not truly ironic."

What are some alternatives to "improper sense"?

Alternatives to "improper sense" include "incorrect interpretation", "inaccurate understanding", or "flawed perception". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "improper sense" grammatically correct?

Yes, "improper sense" is grammatically correct, but it's relatively infrequent. More common and precise alternatives might be preferable in certain contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.