it seems improper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems improper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling or opinion that something is not appropriate or suitable in a given context. Example: "While I appreciate your honesty, it seems improper to discuss personal matters in a professional setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He has always declined to reveal his real name because Uncle Phaedrus is a "character I created for the Web site over a decade ago, and it seems improper to give away his secret identity".

The New York Times

But since there is subtext here, and lines lifted from the film ("Women can always be talked into being unhappy" is one), it seems improper to give away a psychologically interesting story when, eventually, it may come as a surprise to people who see the show.

The New York Times

Based on the observations noted above, it seems improper to consider cancer resistant to apoptosis.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Therefore, it seems improper to assign the original age of one of the duplicates or both of them to the time when the duplication event happened.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It seemed improper for Grant to help her.

The New Yorker

It was huge, Smoltz said, and added that it seemed improper to use that word to describe a game on April 17.

The New York Times - Sports

It would seem improper to speak of fidelity to oneself in the sense that Marcel uses the term.

SEP

If one thinks that law is a many splendored thing, one will be tempted by a very wide concept of law, for it would seem improper to charge others with missing out.

SEP

But it seems most improper that their voices are heard at a parole hearing like the recent one for Kathy Boudin.

The New York Times

Arthur Levitt, the former chairman of the S.E.C., said that although Mr. Spitzer's more aggressive stance and tone may seem improper to some regulators in Washington, it reflects the sinking attitudes of investors.

The New York Times

Although both acts seem improper, they also seem quite petty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seems improper", consider the level of formality required by the context. In less formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "it feels wrong" or "it doesn't seem right".

Common error

While "improper" is a valid word, overuse in everyday conversation can make your speech sound stilted. Opt for simpler synonyms like "inappropriate" or "unsuitable" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems improper" functions as a subjective expression of disapproval or disagreement. It indicates that, based on available information or personal feelings, something is not quite right, appropriate, or suitable. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems improper" serves as a grammatically sound and subtly critical expression. It is most often used in News & Media and Scientific contexts to voice concerns about something being inappropriate or unsuitable. Though the frequency is classified as rare, Ludwig AI analysis affirms its correctness and usability. When aiming for alternatives, consider "it appears unsuitable" or "it feels inappropriate" to maintain a similar level of formality and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears unsuitable

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "improper" with "unsuitable", indicating a lack of fitness for a specific purpose or situation.

it feels inappropriate

Substitutes "seems" with "feels" and "improper" with "inappropriate", emphasizing a subjective sense of impropriety.

it appears unethical

Replaces "improper" with "unethical", highlighting a moral or professional standard violation.

it strikes me as wrong

Emphasizes a personal feeling that something is morally or ethically incorrect.

it seems out of line

Suggests that something has crossed a boundary of acceptable behavior.

it looks out of place

Replaces the entire phrase with a more visual description of something not fitting in.

it gives the wrong impression

Focuses on the negative image or perception created by something.

it doesn't quite fit

Offers a more casual way of saying something is not quite right or suitable.

it doesn't sit well with me

Expresses a personal discomfort or disapproval of something.

it feels like a misstep

Frames the situation as a mistake or error in judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems improper" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems improper" to express that something doesn't feel quite right or appropriate in a given context. For example, "It seems improper to discuss personal matters at a business meeting".

What's a less formal way to say "it seems improper"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it feels wrong", "it doesn't seem right", or simply "it doesn't feel right" for a more casual tone.

What's the difference between "it seems improper" and "it is improper"?

"It seems improper" suggests a subjective feeling or opinion, while "it is improper" presents a statement of fact or rule. The former is less definitive than the latter.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it seems improper"?

Use "it seems improper" when you want to politely express your opinion that something is not suitable or appropriate, without making a definitive judgment. It's useful in situations where tact is important.