Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is proportionate for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is proportionate for" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship where one thing is balanced or corresponds appropriately to another, but the phrasing is awkward. Example: "The budget allocation is proportionate for the project's scale and requirements."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
There was also concern honours were not awarded evenly across the UK, with Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and some English regions receiving more than is proportionate for their size.
News & Media
"What is proportionate for a repeat offender is different to what is proportionate for a first time offender".
News & Media
Returning to the Belgian data protection case, Facebook has since sought to argue its tracking cookies are an important security measure for users of the site — albeit it has not provided any public comment on how it is proportionate for an online service to systematically track non-users even for, ostensibly, security purposes.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Each of the social networks are preparing to explain how current powers are proportionate for tackling provocative material.
News & Media
Today Harris told Mr Justice Ouseley that "it could not possibly have been proportionate for the conduct committee to have effectively adopted a 'one strike and you are out for good' approach".
News & Media
"The fees need to be proportionate for the way that the ground transportation is being used," Fang said, adding that rental car companies need parking lots and shuttles and other infrastructure at airports.
News & Media
Having affirmed the position taken in Anisminic, Lord Dyson then qualified his statement by emphasizing that "the scope of judicial review should be no more (as well as no less) than is proportionate and necessary for the maintaining of the rule of law".
Wiki
Secondly, to lay down the provisions necessary to ensure that payments for public service are not used as a hidden and unaccountable method of covering losses caused by inefficiency, and that such support is proportionate and that 'transparent' means for essential specified services provided for society at large.
Science
The use of isofemale families to assess the genetic basis of a trait assumes that the ratio of among- to within-families variations is proportionate to the heritable variation for that trait [ 44].
Science
Ripa demands that the secretary of state consider whether a request for an interception is "proportionate" – a test any minister would want to apply to any request from MI5, MI6 or GCHQ.
News & Media
It cannot support an offshore regime that goes beyond what is proportionate to the requirement of detention for processing, which means they had better get on with the task.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for precision, consider using alternatives like "is appropriate for" or "is commensurate with" which are grammatically sound and widely accepted.
Common error
Avoid using "is proportionate for" in formal writing. It's often perceived as grammatically awkward. Instead, opt for more conventional phrases like "is appropriate for" or "is proportional to" to ensure clarity and correctness.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is proportionate for" attempts to establish a relationship of balance or adequacy, but it doesn't conform to standard grammatical conventions. Ludwig AI confirms its incorrect usage, suggesting alternatives are more appropriate.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Encyclopedias
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "is proportionate for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's best to avoid this phrase in favor of more appropriate alternatives such as "is proportionate to", "is appropriate for", or "is suitable for". While the intention is to convey balance or adequacy, the non-standard construction undermines its effectiveness. Always opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is appropriate for
Changes "proportionate" to "appropriate", focusing on suitability rather than strict balance.
is suitable for
Replaces "proportionate" with "suitable", indicating adequacy for a specific purpose.
is commensurate with
Substitutes "proportionate" with "commensurate", suggesting a comparable or corresponding relationship.
is adequate for
Emphasizes sufficiency by using "adequate" instead of "proportionate".
corresponds to
Focuses on the relationship of correspondence rather than proportionality.
is in line with
Indicates alignment or agreement instead of strict proportionality.
is adjusted to
Highlights the process of adjustment to fit a particular requirement.
is tailored to
Suggests a specific adaptation for a defined purpose.
is calibrated for
Implies precise adjustment and alignment, often in technical contexts.
is balanced with
Focuses on equilibrium and equal distribution, rather than proportionality.
FAQs
What does "is proportionate to" mean, and how does it differ from "is proportionate for"?
"Is proportionate to" indicates a direct relationship where one thing increases or decreases in relation to another. The phrase "is proportionate for" is grammatically incorrect; "is proportionate to" is the correct form.
What can I use instead of "is proportionate for"?
Since "is proportionate for" is not standard English, consider alternatives such as "is appropriate for", "is suitable for", or "is proportional to" depending on the context.
How to use "is proportional to" in a sentence?
Use "is proportional to" to show a relationship between two quantities. For example, "The effort required is proportional to the complexity of the task".
Is it ever correct to use "is proportionate for"?
No, "is proportionate for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Always use "is proportionate to" or rephrase with alternatives like "is appropriate for".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested