it is proper for

USAGE SUMMARY

It is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to state that something is seen as the appropriate or correct thing to do. For example: "It is proper for parents to set limits for their children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

With respect to anger, Maimonides disagrees, claiming (MT 1, Character Traits, 2.3) it is "an extremely bad character trait" and that "it is proper for someone to move away from it to the other extreme and to teach himself not to be angry, even over something it is proper to be angry about" [Frank, 1990].

SEP

The reason the soul permanently attends to the body and its affections is that it is proper for the soul, as the form of the body, to take care of the well-being and preservation of the body (DSF 100 101; Silva 2008).

SEP

While the dispute revolves around the issue of how the journalists' careers may have been damaged by having their phone records examined, the threat to sue also raises the question whether it is proper for a news organization or its reporters to sue a company they cover.

The New York Times

I don't think it is proper for me to speak out".

The New York Times

I frankly don't think it is proper for players to have sex during the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

9. Do you believe it is proper for teachers to lead students in prayer in public schools?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Mr. Walker and his bosses at J. P. Morgan Chase said it was proper for a bank to put some of its own money into private equity investments, despite their volatility.

The New York Times

I wondered if it was proper for a man to sing a healing song for himself.

The New Yorker

Mr. Nixon chose to stifle his guilt, and lied: "It was proper for him to be relieved and retired".

The New York Times

He said he would also ask if it was proper for the state claims to not be addressed.

The New York Times

The complaint questioned whether it was proper for the governor to have a defense fund in the first place.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is proper for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is affected by the action or situation being described. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

While "it is proper for" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's right to" or "it's okay to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is proper for" functions as an evaluative expression, assessing the appropriateness or correctness of an action or state. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is proper for" serves to evaluate the suitability or correctness of actions, behaviors, or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable, particularly in formal settings. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting its use in discussions of ethics, norms, and correct procedures. While highly useful, remember to use more informal alternatives like "it's right to" or "it's okay to" when the tone is casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is appropriate for

Replaces "proper" with "appropriate", maintaining the meaning of suitability but potentially altering the tone slightly.

it is suitable for

Substitutes "proper" with "suitable", emphasizing the fitness of something for a specific purpose or condition.

it is fitting for

Replaces "proper" with "fitting", suggesting that something aligns well or is in harmony with a particular context or situation.

it is right for

Uses "right" instead of "proper", focusing on the moral or ethical correctness of an action or decision.

it is acceptable for

Replaces "proper" with "acceptable", indicating that something meets a minimum standard or is permissible within certain boundaries.

it is correct for

Substitutes "proper" with "correct", highlighting accuracy or adherence to established rules or standards.

it is advisable for

Uses "advisable" instead of "proper", suggesting that something is recommended or prudent in a particular situation.

it is in order for

Replaces "proper" with "in order", emphasizing that something follows established procedure or protocol.

it is customary for

Substitutes "proper" with "customary", highlighting that something is the usual or traditional practice.

it is ethical for

Replaces "proper" with "ethical", focusing on the moral principles guiding actions or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "it is proper for" in a sentence?

Use "it is proper for" to express that something is appropriate or correct in a given situation. For example, "It is proper for guests to thank their hosts after a dinner party."

What are some alternatives to "it is proper for"?

You can use alternatives like "it is appropriate for", "it is suitable for", or "it is fitting for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it is proper for" and "it is right for"?

While both phrases convey a sense of correctness, "it is proper for" emphasizes appropriateness and adherence to norms, while "it is right for" focuses on moral or ethical correctness.

When is it best to use "it is proper for" over other alternatives?

Use "it is proper for" when you want to emphasize that something aligns with established customs, etiquette, or standards of behavior. It's often suitable in formal or professional contexts.