is not proper

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not proper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not suitable, not becoming, or not appropriate. For example: The way you treated your friends was not proper.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another police officer says that this is not proper.

The Guardian

This is not proper behaviour for a prime minister".

The Guardian

It is not proper for them to speak".

The New York Times

Religious teaching is not proper education – it's old-fashioned brainwashing.

Independent

"We need to use proper footballs otherwise it is not proper football".

The Guardian - Sport

"I think it is not proper to single Chinese swimmers out once they produce good results.

The Guardian - Sport

"This sends a strong message that basing law enforcement solely on ethnic profiling is not proper".

The New York Times

"In a time like this, it is not proper to demand information and transparency".

The New York Times

"However, as this matter is now before the court, it is not proper to comment further".

The New York Times

That can often be hugely entertaining, but it is not proper friendship.

Independent

But it is not a crime, and it is not proper grounds to detain someone at the border.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not proper", ensure the context clearly indicates what standards or norms are being violated. Providing specific reasons enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is not proper" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "isn't right" or "isn't okay" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not proper" functions as a negative judgment or assertion. It's used to express disapproval or to state that something does not conform to a particular standard, norm, or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not proper" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is inappropriate, unsuitable, or violates established norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it leans toward a neutral to formal register, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "is inappropriate" or "is unsuitable" may be more fitting depending on the intended nuance. Avoiding overuse in informal conversations and clarifying the violated standards will further enhance the effectiveness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inappropriate

Focuses on the lack of suitability or fittingness for a particular situation.

is unsuitable

Highlights the inadequacy or unfitness for a specific purpose or condition.

is not appropriate

Similar to "is not proper", emphasizing a lack of correctness or fittingness in a given context.

is incorrect

Focuses on the factual or moral wrongness of something.

is not right

Emphasizes the lack of moral or ethical correctness.

is unacceptable

Stresses that something cannot be tolerated or approved.

is not acceptable

Focuses on the lack of acceptance for something

is inadmissible

Focuses on the unacceptability of something, especially in a formal or legal context.

is out of order

Suggests that something violates established rules or procedures.

is not the way to do it

Focuses on the incorrect approach or method used.

FAQs

How can I use "is not proper" in a sentence?

You can use "is not proper" to express that something is unsuitable, inappropriate, or violates a standard. For example, "It is not proper to speak loudly in a library".

What can I say instead of "is not proper"?

Alternatives to "is not proper" include "is inappropriate", "is unsuitable", or "is not appropriate", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is not proper" or "is not appropriate"?

Both "is not proper" and "is not appropriate" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Is not proper" often implies a violation of etiquette or social norms, while "is not appropriate" suggests something is unsuitable for a particular situation.

What is the difference between "is not proper" and "is not right"?

"Is not proper" typically refers to something that violates social conventions or etiquette, whereas "is not right" often implies a moral or ethical judgment.