more than proper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than proper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something exceeds what is considered appropriate or acceptable. Example: "Her behavior at the event was more than proper; it was exemplary and set a standard for others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Dignity is so much more than proper manners, which have cultural and class-based contours.

The New York Times

In the context of the conference, that decision seemed more than proper.

The New York Times - Arts

It is pleasing, if no more than proper, that Eyjafjallajokull should provoke new and even joined-up thinking from scientists, regulators and airlines.

The Economist

In some, my permit from back home would suffice, even if getting it required little more than proper adult identification, proof of residency and a smile.

The New York Times

— Julia Moskin The Economist: More than proper digestion is involved in the functioning of the human microbiome, that collection of 100 trillion bacteria that lives in the digestive system.

The New York Times

"Our fear is that many would go without the care they need and end up in a hospital emergency room, which costs Medicare more than proper treatment would have cost".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Typically, the subclass has more attributes, which makes its objects more specific than proper objects of the parent class.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

The process they use to skim it produces very small fat globules, which are more dangerous than proper fat.

The Guardian - Sport

They are whatever the needs of life in a developing civilization require them to be". Could the needs of domiciliary life require anything more vitally than proper fire protection?

Harvard University

One study of real-time facial recognition found misidentifications were ten times more frequent than proper identifications, and MIT research has revealed high error rates for women and people of color.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But some studies have shown that gloves aren't necessarily more effective than proper hand washing, partly because they can encourage risky behaviors (most people have seen restaurant workers who touch money in between handling food without changing gloves).

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more than proper", ensure the context clearly establishes a baseline of what is considered simply 'proper' to emphasize the degree of exceeding it. For instance, describing behavior as "more than proper" suggests it was not just appropriate, but exemplary.

Common error

Avoid using "more than proper" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "really good" or "excellent" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than proper" primarily functions as a degree modifier. It amplifies the adjective "proper", indicating that something surpasses the expected level of appropriateness or correctness. Ludwig AI shows its use in diverse contexts, from manners to technical applications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than proper" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that functions as a degree modifier to indicate exceeding expectations or standards of appropriateness. While its use is uncommon, it is most often found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, consider the formality of your audience and whether this phrase is the most natural choice; alternatives like "beyond appropriate" or "exceedingly proper" might be more suitable in some situations. Avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a clear and appropriate tone. The available examples further illustrate appropriate contexts for using "more than proper".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond appropriate

Implies that something goes past the boundary of what is considered suitable or fitting.

exceedingly proper

Emphasizes the extent to which something is proper, highlighting a high degree of correctness and decorum.

more than suitable

Suggests that something is not only adequate but surpasses what is required or expected.

more than adequate

Indicates that something exceeds the minimum requirements, offering a surplus of what is necessary.

surpasses expectations

Highlights that something exceeds the anticipated or predicted level of performance or quality.

exceptional

Denotes a quality that is far above the average or normal, standing out as remarkably good.

outstanding

Similar to 'exceptional', emphasizing that something is distinctly superior and impressive.

remarkable

Indicates that something is worthy of attention due to its uncommon or extraordinary nature.

above and beyond

Signifies exceeding what is expected or required, often in terms of effort or performance.

extraordinary

Similar to 'remarkable', highlighting that something is beyond the ordinary or commonplace.

FAQs

How can I use "more than proper" in a sentence?

You can use "more than proper" to describe something that exceeds the expected or required level of correctness or appropriateness. For example, "Her response was "more than proper"; it was truly exemplary."

What's a good alternative to "more than proper"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "beyond appropriate", "exceedingly proper", or "more than suitable".

Is it always appropriate to use "more than proper"?

While grammatically correct, "more than proper" is generally more suitable for formal writing and speech. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred.

What is the nuance between "more than proper" and "adequate"?

"Adequate" suggests something meets the minimum requirements, while ""more than proper"" implies exceeding expectations or demonstrating exceptional correctness or decorum. It indicates a degree of excellence beyond simple sufficiency.