its proper object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its proper object" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing philosophy, logic, or any field where the concept of an object or goal is relevant. Example: "In philosophy, every concept has its proper object, which defines its meaning and relevance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They realise that they are the enviable ones, who have not yet had to face the bleak truth that, when someone you love dies (or, yet more sadly, suffers dementia) you still go on loving, but it is an emotion without its proper object, like hopefulness when there is nothing to hope for, or anxiety when there is nothing to fear.

The Guardian

Also in the case of an outer intuition, its proper object is not the "outer" cause of it but an "inner" mental event; human beings are capable only of having subjective intuitions whose proper object is a change in their mind (WL III, 89, 145).

SEP

It was felt that the presence of ARVN troops would divert the villagers' feelings of awe at the operation from the American troops and toward its proper object, the government of South Vietnam.

The New Yorker

But we can ask about its proper object.

SEP

In his commentary on Boethius' De trinitate, Aquinas advances the thesis that "to each [cognitive] power, its proper object is first known" (Super Boethium De trinitate, q. 1, art. 3).

SEP

Since what specifies a cognitive power is its proper object – i.e. the formal aspect under which something is represented by that power –, the identification of the first known with the proper object of the intellect presents a significant claim.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In the Treatise he argues against the epistemic thesis (that we discover good and evil by reasoning) by showing that neither demonstrative nor probable/causal reasoning has vice and virtue as its proper objects.

SEP

Similarly, Aristotle holds that coming to know first premises is a matter of a potentiality in the mind being actualized by experience of its proper objects: "The soul is of such a nature as to be capable of undergoing this".

SEP

I would reply that while the "multilayered social milieu" is properly the object of academic attention — it can be described, analyzed and mapped — it is not the proper object of academic intervention.

The New York Times

What is more, it can know immaterial beings as well, since the most general and proper object of our intellect is being in all its amplitude (ibid., fol. 253v).

SEP

Since the only thing that is good for its own sake is God, only God is the proper object of love as enjoyment.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "its proper object", ensure that the object is clearly defined and understood within the context. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "its proper object" when a more direct and specific term would be clearer. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Consider simpler alternatives if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its proper object" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a predicate nominative. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, mostly related to philosophy and logic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "its proper object" serves to pinpoint the correct or intended target of something, primarily within academic or formal contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and relevant in fields like philosophy and logic. While not overly common, its usage adds precision and clarity when defining the appropriate focus of an action, emotion, or concept. To enhance your writing, ensure the "object" is clearly defined and consider more direct alternatives if appropriate, and bear in mind that the phrase is most authoritative in academic and news contexts. Related alternatives include "its intended target" or "its rightful aim".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

its intended target

Focuses on the aim or goal that something is designed for.

its rightful aim

Emphasizes the legitimacy and correctness of the objective.

its correct focus

Highlights the accuracy and appropriateness of the point of concentration.

its appropriate subject

Stresses the suitability of the topic or theme being addressed.

its designated purpose

Specifies that the object is assigned for a clear and definite purpose.

its true objective

Highlights what the real goal is.

its valid recipient

Highlights the legitimacy of the target.

its precise destination

Specifies a direction to a specific goal.

its specific function

Highlights the particular role of the object.

its ideal application

Suggests best usage for something.

FAQs

How can I use "its proper object" in a sentence?

You can use "its proper object" to indicate the appropriate target or focus of something, such as "The government of South Vietnam was "its proper object" of the villagers' awe".

What does "its proper object" mean in philosophical contexts?

In philosophy, "its proper object" often refers to the specific entity or concept that a particular faculty, emotion, or action is correctly directed toward, like love requiring "its proper object".

What are some alternatives to "its proper object"?

Alternatives to "its proper object" include "its intended target", "its rightful aim", or "its correct focus", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "its proper object" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "its proper object" when you want to emphasize the correct or intended recipient or focus of an action, emotion, or concept. This phrase often appears in formal or academic writing.