it seems only appropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems only appropriate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something feels fitting or suitable in a particular context or situation. Example: "Given the circumstances, it seems only appropriate to extend our condolences to the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

With the return of "Saturday Night LIve" last weekend for its 37th season, it seems only appropriate that an original cast member's screen test would go viral on YouTube.

Huffington Post

It seems only appropriate that chefs would take up the cause.

The Washington Post

It seems only appropriate that approaches derived from his inventions are now being used to explore disease.

The Guardian

In light of my respect for Will, it seems only appropriate that I close by offering words of admiration — for him, and for Elizabeth Warren.

The Washington Post

It seems only appropriate that I should conclude with a quick political intelligence test especially devised for the mayor of London.

The Guardian

So it seems only appropriate that Dr. McGuire will cough up options worth $418 million in addition to the almost $200 million in options he has already forfeited.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

And since the historic hotel just celebrated its 130th anniversary on February 19, it seemed only appropriate to find out some of these secrets.

Forbes

But in the aftermath of Watergate, the Vietnam War and the '60s, it seemed only appropriate to look inward".

The New York Times - Books

And it seemed only appropriate that when the referee awarded the Americans an injury-time penalty kick, their captain, Clint Dempsey, blasted it wide, preserving the storied score line.

The New York Times - Sports

It seemed only appropriate that a player named Bobby, which is what everyone called me at the time, was the hero.

The New York Times

It seemed only appropriate that James scored the last 10 points of the game, sending the Celtics away with a 4-1 defeathatat will force their own re-examination.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems only appropriate" to introduce a decision or action that logically follows from the preceding circumstances. It adds a tone of reasonableness and justification to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversations can sound stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "it feels right" or "it's fitting" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems only appropriate" functions as an introductory phrase. It serves to introduce an action, decision, or statement that logically or morally aligns with the given context, often acting as a justification or rationale.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

18%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems only appropriate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is fitting or suitable within a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To ensure effective communication, it's best to reserve this phrase for contexts where its tone aligns with the intended message, and consider simpler alternatives like "it feels right" in more casual settings. This helps maintain clarity and avoids sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's only fitting

Similar but with slightly less emphasis on the logical necessity.

it feels suitable

Highlights the subjective sense of appropriateness.

it appears fitting

Emphasizes the visual aspect of something being suitable.

it's just proper

Focuses on the correctness and decorum of the action.

it is but fitting

Uses "but" to add a touch of emphasis to the appropriateness.

it's merely fitting

Suggests the action or decision is simply what should be done.

it's simply right

Emphasizes moral correctness rather than just suitability.

it's naturally fitting

Highlights that the appropriateness comes as a natural consequence.

it's reasonably suitable

Adds a sense of rationality to the action.

it would only be right

Shifts the focus to the moral obligation of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems only appropriate" in a sentence?

Use "it seems only appropriate" to introduce an action or decision that logically follows from a specific situation. For example, "Given his long service, "it seems only appropriate" to honor him at the ceremony."

What are some alternatives to "it seems only appropriate"?

Some alternatives include "it is only fitting", "it feels suitable", or "it is just proper", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it seems only appropriate" formal or informal?

"It seems only appropriate" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for professional and academic writing but may sound slightly stilted in very casual conversations.

When is it better to use "it seems only fitting" instead of "it seems only appropriate"?

While "it seems only fitting" and "it seems only appropriate" are quite similar, "it seems only fitting" emphasizes the sense of something being morally or aesthetically right, whereas ""it seems only appropriate"" focuses more on logical suitability and relevance.