it is proper to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is proper to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is appropriate or fitting to do in a certain situation. Here is an example: "It is proper to address your elders with respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

47 East 60th Street Manhattan Through July 29 At the Grolier Club, an organization dedicated to book collecting, it is proper to judge a book by its cover.

The New York Times - Books

The National Basketball Association and its players were faced with a quandary last week: deciding when it is proper to play a game in the wake of tragedy.

The New York Times - Sports

It is proper to encourage Mr. Putin.

The New York Times

Because it is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties.

Cornell University

Seneca, for example, wrote that it is proper to apply the term providence to God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He believes it is proper to get Congressional approval and let the people chime in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This finding indirectly proves that our approach is sensitive enough to capture the important biological features; thus, it is proper to use our approach to measure pathway level impact of a somatic mutation.

BioMed Research International

If the question of intention cannot be answered, then it is proper to find the cause of death and leave it an open verdict".

Wikipedia

A passage in a religious text states that "it is proper to consider the living spoken word more weighty than the written".

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is no one moment when it is proper to react.

Huffington Post

Other theories may refer to the fact that wrongdoers have already done something in virtue of which it is proper to punish them without thereby being retributivist.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness in writing, consider replacing "it is proper to" with a more direct verb or adjective that conveys the same meaning. For example, instead of "it is proper to thank your hosts", write "thank your hosts".

Common error

Avoid using "it is proper to" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more relaxed phrasing such as "you should" or "it's best to" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is proper to" functions as an introductory phrase expressing that something is appropriate, correct, or in accordance with established norms or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use in diverse contexts, denoting approval or recommendation for specific actions or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is proper to" is a versatile phrase that expresses appropriateness, correctness, or adherence to norms, frequently found in formal and neutral contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While effective for conveying formality, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message. Consider alternatives like "it is appropriate to" or "it is fitting to" for subtle variations in meaning or formality. Finally, remember that directness and clarity are essential to achieve the greatest impact from your writing and follow the best practices suggested, avoiding the common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is appropriate to

Replaces "proper" with "appropriate", keeping a similar level of formality.

it is fitting to

Substitutes "proper" with "fitting", suggesting suitability or aptness.

it is suitable to

Employs "suitable" in place of "proper", indicating that something is well-matched or adapted to a situation.

it is right to

Uses "right" instead of "proper", conveying a sense of moral or ethical correctness.

it is correct to

Replaces "proper" with "correct", highlighting accuracy or adherence to standards.

it is advisable to

Suggests that a course of action is recommended or prudent, rather than just appropriate.

it is recommended to

Similar to 'advisable', this phrase implies a formal suggestion or guideline.

it is in order to

Indicates that something is procedurally correct or aligned with established rules.

one should

Expresses general obligation without explicitly stating something "is proper."

the right thing to do is

Focuses on morality/ethics making it partially interchangeable depending on context.

FAQs

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

Use "it is proper to" to indicate that a certain behavior or action aligns with established social, ethical, or procedural norms. For example, "It is proper to address elders respectfully".

What can I say instead of "it is proper to"?

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

Which is correct, "it is proper to" or "it was proper to"?

"It is proper to" indicates that something is currently appropriate, while "it was proper to" indicates that something was appropriate in the past. The correct choice depends on the time frame you're referencing.

Is "it is proper to" formal or informal?

"It is proper to" is generally considered formal. In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "you should" or "it is best to" instead.