improper things

USAGE SUMMARY

"improper things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to things that are considered to be socially unacceptable or morally wrong. For example: "The teacher sternly warned the students not to do any improper things while at school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I can't have people come here who do improper things like hold each other".Many of the younger guests chafed at the stuffiness of the place.

The Economist

He feels tiny improper things very strongly," says Sergei Kisliakov, director of St Petersburg's Steklov Mathematics Institute, where the maths prodigy once worked as a researcher.

The Guardian

I can't really give a synopsis of the history of the doors in academia being open to women, but this was right at the time when women were being accepted into graduate school and given jobs, and a lot of people didn't think that women were suitable and lots of things were said and lots of improper things done.

The New Yorker

Conversely, each suspect's lawyer told their respective jury essentially the same thing — their client was not one of the gunmen, and, whatever other improper things he might have done before or after the shooting, there is not enough evidence that he acted in concert with the killer to warrant a murder conviction.

The New York Times

Again they balk, "indignant at being forced to do terrible and improper things" (b1).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But in retrospect, he added, "it appeared to be an improper thing".

The New York Times

"I want to say that I did a very foolish and improper thing," Mr. Garson said as he sat alongside his counsel, Stephen Ailes.

The New York Times

"To come in and create chaos for no reason whatsoever, other than to just take away from the joy of the holidays for other people, is shallow and an improper thing to do," he said.

The New York Times

"This is the most fundamental and important decision this country will have to take for the next generation," he told BBC Radio 4's PM. "It is isn't just about adding some silly little clause to the Queen's Speech - an entirely, in my view, improper thing to do in the first place".

BBC

"The bringing of that suit by the CIA was an improper thing to do," said Alan Reitman, associate executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in a telephone interview.

Los Angeles Times

It said Father Gorak had said "improper sexual things" to a woman who worked for the church.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improper things", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise term like "unethical practices" or "illegal activities" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "improper things" is understandable, it can sound vague in formal writing. Replace it with more specific terms that clearly define the nature of the impropriety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper things" functions as a noun phrase, where "improper" modifies the noun "things". It generally refers to actions, behaviors, or items that deviate from established norms, standards, or ethical guidelines. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improper things" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe actions or items considered inappropriate or morally wrong. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. For more formal writing, substituting it with more specific terms like ""unethical practices"" or "illegal activities" is advisable to enhance clarity and precision. Its frequency is rated as uncommon, suggesting that while correct, it's not the most prevalent way to express the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate actions

Focuses more on the act itself being unsuitable, highlighting a breach of etiquette or policy.

unacceptable behaviors

Emphasizes conduct that falls below expected behavioral standards, often in a social or professional setting.

wrongful deeds

Carries a stronger connotation of moral or legal wrongdoing, suggesting actions that are unjust or illegal.

illicit activities

Implies secrecy or illegality, often associated with criminal or underground operations.

unethical practices

Specifically refers to actions that violate moral principles or professional codes of conduct.

questionable acts

Highlights uncertainty or doubt surrounding the actions, suggesting they may be morally or legally dubious.

dubious dealings

Refers to transactions or interactions that are suspicious or of uncertain legitimacy.

irregular proceedings

Highlights a deviation from established rules or protocols within a formal process.

objectionable matters

Points to issues or subjects that are considered offensive, unpleasant, or controversial.

reprehensible conduct

Denotes behavior that is highly deserving of criticism or condemnation.

FAQs

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

You can use "improper things" to refer to actions or behaviors considered socially unacceptable or morally wrong. For example: "The investigation revealed a series of "unethical practices" and "improper things" within the organization."

What's the difference between "improper things" and "inappropriate actions"?

"Improper things" is a broader term that can refer to various deviations from norms, while "inappropriate actions" specifically points to actions that violate etiquette or policy. "Inappropriate actions" typically implies a social or professional context where certain behaviors are deemed unsuitable, while "improper things" can encompass a wider range of moral or ethical violations.

What can I say instead of "improper things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unethical behavior", "illegal activities", or "inappropriate conduct".

Is "improper things" formal or informal language?

"Improper things" falls into a neutral to slightly informal register. In formal or professional contexts, more precise and specific terms like ""unethical practices"" or "fraudulent activities" are generally preferred.