improperly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improperly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done in a way that is not proper, suitable, or acceptable. Example: "The report was submitted improperly, leading to delays in the approval process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Collaery, who is one of a team of lawyers representing Timor-Leste in the international arbitration, has argued the raids were a deliberate effort by the Australian government to disrupt the proceedings, in which Timor-Leste alleges that in 2004 Australia improperly spied on the Timorese during treaty negotiations in order to extract a commercial benefit.

The Guardian

Greenpeace has suggested Soon also improperly concealed his funding sources for a recent article, in violation of the journal's conflict of interest guidelines.

The Guardian

It collected and "improperly retained" US telephone numbers, as well as those from among the US' "Five Eyes" intelligence partners: the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The Guardian

He was speaking after the release of a report, prepared by the cabinet secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, and ordered by Cameron, showing ministers in the Brown administration worked hard to aid his release without improperly directly pressing the Scottish executive to release him from a Scottish jail.

The Guardian

Operation Cabot related to rural water leases in the Upper Hunter region's Bylong Valley, and found Obeid used his position as an MP to "improperly influence" Dunn to use his own contacts at the Department of Water and Energy (DWE) to seek information on water licences in the Bylong Valley and Cherrydale Park, and influence an associated lender of the Obeids.

The Guardian

— Hardball (@hardball) November 9, 2012 NBC's Richard Engel tells Hardball that Petraeus' biographer Paula Broadwell being investigated for improperly trying to access his email.

The Guardian

We wish to make clear that we fully accept that Louis Walsh has not acted wrongfully or improperly in any way in relation to the show.

The Guardian

Allegations that election leaflets of Khan have been improperly distributed alongside council leaflets surfaced last week.

The Guardian

Last week, the NFL's report into the Deflategate scandal found "it is more probable than not" that at least two New England Patriots employees improperly deflated footballs in the team's AFC Championship win over the Indianapolis Colts and that Brady was "at least generally aware" of the wrongdoing.

The Guardian - Sport

And in June it launched its own bid for the target bank.Mr Fazio has denied all accusations that he has acted improperly.

The Economist

Yet Ms Yamatani has form when it comes to disputing the historical basis of the practice of wartime sex slavery.Many reasonable people worry that a new hate-speech law, improperly drafted, could harm freedom of expression.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improperly", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or rule is being violated. This adds precision to your writing.

Common error

While "improperly" is generally acceptable, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "illegally" or "unethically" in formal or legal writing to convey the specific nature of the transgression.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "improperly" primarily functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating that an action is performed or a quality is exhibited in a manner that deviates from established norms or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improperly" is a versatile adverb used to denote actions or qualities that deviate from established norms. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While generally neutral, it's crucial to consider context and opt for more precise terms in formal writing. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriately

Suggests something is unsuitable or not fitting for the situation.

incorrectly

Focuses on factual or technical errors.

wrongfully

Implies an action that is morally or legally wrong.

unduly

Suggests something is excessive or unwarranted.

unsuitably

Emphasizes the lack of fitness or appropriateness.

amiss

Implies something is out of order or not quite right.

erroneously

Highlights an error in judgment or calculation.

negligently

Indicates a lack of due care or attention.

unethically

Indicates a violation of moral principles.

illegitimately

Suggests something is not in accordance with the law or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "improperly" in a sentence?

You can use "improperly" to describe actions that are not done in a proper or correct manner. For instance, "The funds were "improperly" allocated" or "The device was "improperly" installed".

What are some alternatives to "improperly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inappropriately", "incorrectly", or "wrongfully" as substitutes for "improperly".

Is it correct to say "the data was handled improperly"?

Yes, "the data was handled "improperly"" is grammatically correct. It means the data was not handled in the correct or appropriate manner.

What's the difference between "improperly" and "incorrectly"?

"Improperly" suggests a violation of rules or standards, while "incorrectly" focuses on factual or technical errors. For example, a form might be filled out "incorrectly" (factual error), while funds might be used "improperly" (violation of regulations).