it would not be inappropriate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would not be inappropriate to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is acceptable or appropriate without being too direct. Example: "In this context, it would not be inappropriate to express your concerns about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

All the above characteristics of α-MSH approve its strong antimicrobial nature and it would not be inappropriate to include it in the category of AMPs of humans.

BioMed Research International

In you live in a city, say Los Angeles, where people are under pressure to check their iPhones every three minutes, it would not be inappropriate to give someone whose partner is gravely ill only 10 minutes.

The New York Times

But the typescript that he left behind had, in the view of his editor and his family, reached a level of completion that suggested it would not be inappropriate to share with a wider readership".

The Guardian - Books

It would not be inappropriate to bring a few handfuls of rice to toss at the climax of "Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays," a collection of monologues and short plays that opened on Sunday night at the Minetta Lane Theater.

The New York Times

Accordingly, it would not be inappropriate to call the theory fictionalist (rather than subjectivist).

SEP

On the whole, it would not be inappropriate to speculate potential roles of SIRT7 in maintaining metabolic homeostasis, cancer metabolism, and thus anti-aging process.

Protein & Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The punishments meted out to SAE are reasonable and more severe sanctions would not be inappropriate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The term "table-creaker" would not be inappropriate.

Independent

There are comfy nooks where a game of cribbage would not be inappropriate.

Forbes

A Kirk Gibson fist-pump would not be inappropriate.

Los Angeles Times

So is the audience, which probably feels as one that a post-coital cigarette wouldn't be inappropriate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to be more direct, consider alternatives like "it is acceptable to" or "it is reasonable to".

Common error

While useful for softening statements, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking confidence. Vary your sentence structure and word choice to maintain a balanced and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would not be inappropriate to" functions as a hedging device, softening a recommendation or suggestion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It introduces an element of politeness or caution, implying that an action is permissible without being explicitly endorsed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would not be inappropriate to" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that serves as a polite and cautious way to offer suggestions or express opinions. Ludwig indicates that it's a versatile phrase found across various contexts, including science and news media. While useful for softening statements, it's essential to avoid overuse and vary your writing style to maintain engagement. Consider alternatives like "it would be acceptable to" or "it would be reasonable to" when a more direct approach is suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be acceptable to

Focuses more on permissibility and agreement.

it would be reasonable to

Highlights the logical or rational aspect of the action.

it would be permissible to

Emphasizes the allowance or authorization of the action.

it would be fitting to

Suggests the action aligns with expectations or norms.

it would be in order to

Implies the action follows a proper sequence or procedure.

it would be alright to

Offers a more casual and informal tone of approval.

it would not be out of place to

Indicates the action wouldn't seem unusual or inappropriate.

it would be suitable to

Highlights appropriateness and being adapted for a purpose or occasion.

it could be considered appropriate to

Introduces more hesitation, where you want to be careful

it is not unreasonable to

Poses the situation as logical or justifiable

FAQs

What does "it would not be inappropriate to" mean?

The phrase "it would not be inappropriate to" suggests that something is permissible, acceptable, or reasonable in a given context. It's a polite way of saying something is okay to do or consider.

When is it suitable to use the phrase "it would not be inappropriate to"?

Use "it would not be inappropriate to" when you want to suggest something diplomatically, without being too forceful or prescriptive. It's useful in situations where you want to offer a suggestion without imposing it.

What are some alternatives to "it would not be inappropriate to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it would be acceptable to", "it would be reasonable to", or "it would be suitable to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it would not be inappropriate to" and "it would be appropriate to"?

Yes, "it would not be inappropriate to" is a more cautious and less direct way of suggesting something compared to "it would be appropriate to". The former implies something is 'not wrong', while the latter asserts that something is 'right' or 'fitting'.