improper use

USAGE SUMMARY

"improper use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone uses something in a way that it shouldn't be used or doesn't adhere to the intended purpose. For example, "The teacher warned him against improper use of the school's equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Improper use of antibiotics increases antimicrobial resistance.

Cirugía y Cirujanos

Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty.

The Guardian

This includes limiting the improper use of guidance documents.

The Washington Post

Fix improper use of article tag in Portfolio items.

University of California, Berkeley

Improper use of antimicrobials is a global concern.

Urology

"I think it is an improper use of corporate assets to pay their debt, just as it was an improper use of board control to endorse their borrowing".

The New York Times

Last year, the RSPCA dealt with 759 animals affected by the improper use of airguns.

The Guardian

"In my view, it's an improper use of a riot control agent".

The New York Times

The improper use of exotic cats has wider implications than their immediate welfare.

The Guardian

There is clearly an argument that this is an improper use of the search power.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The baskets are overflowing due to the improper use of them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the consequences of using antibiotics, use "improper use" to emphasize the role of the actions which lead to antibiotic resistance.

Common error

In casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "misuse" or "wrong use" instead of the more formal "improper use".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper use" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of using something incorrectly or inappropriately. As Ludwig indicates, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improper use" is a noun phrase used to describe the incorrect or inappropriate application of something. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used in written English. Analysis of example sentences indicates its common usage across diverse fields such as Science, News & Media, and Academia. While "improper use" is a versatile phrase, it's important to consider alternatives such as "misuse" or "incorrect application" depending on the specific context to achieve the highest accuracy and impact. Use "improper use" to emphasize the role of certain actions, and consider simpler alternatives in informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misuse

Focuses on using something in a wrong or unintended way, often implying a negative consequence.

incorrect application

Highlights the act of applying something wrongly, emphasizing the error in the application process.

unsuitable employment

Suggests that something is being used for a purpose it's not fit for, emphasizing the lack of suitability.

abuse

Implies a more severe misuse, often involving harm or exploitation.

erroneous utilization

A formal way of saying something is used wrong because of an error, mostly in technical context.

faulty handling

Focuses on errors made when manipulating or dealing with something.

inappropriate handling

Highlights the act of handling something inappropriately, mostly in technical context.

irregular use

Implies that the use is unconventional, deviating from the norms or established pattern

unwarranted utilization

Suggests that something is used even if there is no permission or need to use it

exploitative use

Suggests that something is used in a way to gain advantage or profit dishonestly

FAQs

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

You can use "improper use" to describe situations where something is not being used in the correct way. For example: "Improper use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance".

What's the difference between "improper use" and "misuse"?

"Improper use" generally refers to using something incorrectly or not according to guidelines, while "misuse" often implies a more deliberate or harmful wrong application. However, they are often interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "improper use"?

You can use alternatives like "misuse", "incorrect application", or "unsuitable employment" depending on the context.

Is "improper use" a formal or informal term?

"Improper use" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts.