it is not proportionate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not proportionate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing fairness, balance, or appropriateness in a situation or comparison. Example: "The punishment given to the student for a minor infraction is not proportionate to the offense committed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Bioethics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is not proportionate to what is happening.

The Guardian

The BBC's governing body will not investigate accusations that Alan Yentob tried to influence the BBC's coverage of Kids Company, because now he has stepped down as creative director it is "not proportionate, appropriate or cost effective".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's not proportionate.

The Guardian

It was not proportionate or in moderation.

The New York Times

Sir Christopher Holland concluded: "He could not rationally have believed that," the report found, finding it was not proportionate for the officer to "open fire with a lethal weapon".

The Guardian

Sims, one of Britain's most senior police chiefs and vice-chair of the chief constables' terrorism committee, told the Guardian: "It's not proportionate to the threat at the moment.

The Guardian

It is easier to say when the benefit is not proportionate.

Bioethics

The third is whether, assuming that these two requirements are satisfied, it is nevertheless open to the criticism that it is being applied in a way that is arbitrary because, for example, it has been resorted to in bad faith or in a way that is not proportionate.

Bioethics

NGN says the extent of disclosure asked for by the claimants is not proportionate.

The Guardian

"The regulation of the technology is not proportionate.

Science Magazine

He added: "This law is always kept under review but the point the judge was making was that this was not proportionate.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not proportionate", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject is being compared to. This provides clarity and strengthens the argument that something lacks balance or is inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not proportionate" without specifying the reference point for comparison. For instance, instead of saying "The response was not proportionate", specify "The response was not proportionate to the initial offense."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not proportionate" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, expressing a judgment about the relationship between two entities. It suggests that one element lacks balance or appropriate scale relative to another. Ludwig's examples illustrate this use in contexts ranging from legal evaluations to general assessments of fairness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not proportionate" is a useful tool for expressing a lack of balance or appropriateness between two things. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news media and academic contexts. When writing, ensure you clearly define what is being compared to avoid vagueness. While generally neutral to formal, consider your audience and context when deciding if a more casual alternative may be more appropriate. Remember that this phrase is most effective when used to critique or argue against a decision or action by providing a clear understanding of the lack of equilibrium. The examples analyzed by Ludwig confirm the adaptability and consistent application of the phrase in various scenarios where fairness and balance are central.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's disproportionate

Direct synonym; focuses on the lack of proportional relationship.

it's not commensurate

A more formal way of saying it doesn't measure up or align.

it's excessive

Highlights the over-the-top nature of something.

it's unbalanced

Focuses on the lack of equilibrium or fairness.

it's inadequate

Emphasizes that something falls short of what's needed.

it's too much

A simple way of expressing excessiveness.

it's unjustified

Suggests a lack of valid reason or basis.

it's unwarranted

Similar to unjustified, implying a lack of necessity or reason.

it's out of line

Implies that something has crossed a boundary or is inappropriate.

it's not fitting

Suggests a lack of suitability or appropriateness.

FAQs

What does "it is not proportionate" mean?

The phrase "it is not proportionate" means that something is not balanced or appropriately related in size, degree, or intensity to something else. It indicates a lack of equilibrium or fairness in comparison.

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

You can use "it is not proportionate" to express that a response, action, or measure is either excessive or insufficient in relation to what it's meant to address. For example, "The punishment "is not proportionate" to the crime."

What are some alternatives to "it is not proportionate"?

Alternatives include "it is disproportionate", "it is excessive", "it is unjustified", or "it is unwarranted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is not proportionate" formal or informal?

"It is not proportionate" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in most contexts, more informal options like "it's too much" might be preferred in casual conversation.