it is not appropriate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not appropriate for" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to express that an action or behaviour is not considered acceptable or suitable for a given situation. For example: "It is not appropriate for children under 16 to attend this movie due to the content of the film."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The White House declined to comment on the case, saying "it is not appropriate for the president of the United States to weigh in on specific cases".

The Guardian

"Given that we are likely to be called as witnesses in any case law enforcement may decide to bring against Robert Durst," they said in a statement, "it is not appropriate for us to comment further on these pending matters".

The Guardian

"I respect the will of the people, he said, adding that "it is not appropriate for ambassador" to comment on this British matter.

Vice

We therefore believe it is not appropriate for this performance to go ahead.

The Guardian

"It is not appropriate for you to attack or defame Carol Bellamy," the Mayor said.

The New Yorker

"It is not appropriate for government to be setting the salaries of executives".

The New York Times

It is not appropriate for us to say anything more at this stage".

The Guardian

"It is not appropriate for anyone to expose themselves in public places".

Independent

It is not appropriate for us to get into the details at this stage".

The New York Times

"At the same time, it is not appropriate for them to foist all the burden on the regulated charities".

The New York Times

"It is not appropriate for me to make a comment on something that's happened at that time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not appropriate for", clearly state the reason why something is inappropriate to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "It is not appropriate for children to handle dangerous chemicals without supervision because of the risk of injury."

Common error

Avoid using "it is not appropriate for" in very informal conversations where simpler phrases like "that's not okay" or "that's not right" would be more natural. Overusing formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not appropriate for" functions as a modal expression, indicating that something is unsuitable, unacceptable, or should be avoided in a particular context. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to express disapproval or to set boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not appropriate for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is unsuitable or unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral to formal, it's essential to adjust the register based on the situation. For informal settings, consider simpler alternatives. Remember to clearly state the reason for inappropriateness to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its nuances and practicing its application, you can effectively communicate boundaries and express your judgment with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unsuitable for

Replaces "appropriate" with a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

it is unacceptable for

Emphasizes the non-permissible nature of something, adding a stronger negative connotation.

it is ill-advised for

Focuses on the poor judgment involved, suggesting potential negative consequences.

it is inadvisable for

Similar to "ill-advised", but slightly more formal.

it's not fitting for

Suggests a lack of alignment or harmony with the situation.

it is out of place for

Highlights the incongruity or lack of suitability in a specific context.

it is not recommended for

Indicates that there are reasons to avoid something, without necessarily being completely forbidden.

it is discouraged for

Similar to "not recommended", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on discouraging the action.

it is a bad idea for

Simplifies the expression, making it less formal and more direct.

it is wrong for

Imparts a moral or ethical dimension to the unsuitability, suggesting it is not just inappropriate but also morally questionable.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not appropriate for" in a sentence?

Use "it is not appropriate for" to express that something is unsuitable or unacceptable in a particular context. For example, "It is not appropriate for students to use their phones during class."

What's a less formal alternative to "it is not appropriate for"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "that's not okay", "that's not right", or "that's not a good idea". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it better to use "inappropriate" instead of "it is not appropriate for"?

"Inappropriate" is often used as an adjective to describe something directly, while "it is not appropriate for" is used to make a more direct statement of unsuitability. For example, "His behavior was inappropriate" vs. "It is not appropriate for him to behave that way."

Is there a more formal way to say "it is not appropriate for"?

More formal alternatives include "it is unsuitable for", "it is inadvisable for", or "it is unacceptable for". These alternatives are often used in professional or academic settings.