proper adults

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper adults" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who are considered to have the appropriate qualities or behaviors expected of adults, often in a context discussing maturity or responsibility. Example: "In order to handle this situation effectively, we need to ensure that we are all acting as proper adults."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We believe we're not proper adults.

The Guardian - Opinion

Proper adults.

Vice

Proper adults getting properly pissed on more alcohol in one night than we'd manage in a month.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"She's a proper adult.

The New Yorker

And I was fast becoming a proper adult, into my 30s, and I thought, 'Well, fuck.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly there is no time for reading, films, or a proper adult conversation.

The Guardian - Opinion

All parties were having "a proper, adult and sensible conversation", he said.

The Guardian

Forbes, the US business magazine and website, described Rowling's forthcoming book as a "proper adult novel".

The Guardian - Opinion

The Lover's Dictionary, the first proper adult novel from American young adult author David Levithan, is the story of a relationship gone awry.

The Guardian - Books

Every stint has involved a mixture of hope and despondency, a feeling of progress tempered by the frustration of not being able to become a "proper" adult.

The Guardian - Books

They were fraught with romance, glamour and danger, and could only be approached if you were under strict supervision, unless you were a proper adult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proper adults", ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'proper' behavior or qualities, as this can be subjective and vary across cultures and situations.

Common error

Avoid using "proper adults" in contexts where the definition of 'proper' is unclear or could be interpreted as judgmental. Instead, specify the desired qualities or behaviors, such as 'responsible adults' or 'mature individuals'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper adults" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'proper' modifies the noun 'adults'. It serves to describe adults who meet certain expected standards or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proper adults" is grammatically correct and usable, though somewhat rare. It's used to describe adults who conform to certain expected standards of behavior and maturity. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for use in written English. However, its subjectivity means that writers need to ensure the context clearly defines what 'proper' entails. Alternatives include "responsible adults" and "mature individuals", which can offer more specific connotations. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mature individuals

Focuses on the aspect of emotional and intellectual maturity, moving away from societal expectations.

responsible adults

Highlights the aspect of accountability and dependability, shifting the emphasis from general appropriateness.

functioning adults

Emphasizes the ability to operate effectively in society, specifying the expectation of capability.

competent adults

Underscores skill and ability in handling adult responsibilities, adding a layer of expertise.

well-adjusted adults

Implies emotional stability and successful integration into social norms, broadening the scope beyond mere propriety.

upstanding adults

Highlights ethical and moral integrity, adding a dimension of virtue.

respectable adults

Focuses on earning societal approval and admiration, implying a focus on reputation.

suitable adults

Indicates appropriateness for a specific role or situation, narrowing the context.

capable adults

Stresses the possession of the necessary skills and resources, pointing to empowerment.

seasoned adults

Highlights the experience and wisdom gained over time, adding a connotation of age and expertise.

FAQs

What does the term "proper adults" typically refer to?

The term "proper adults" generally refers to individuals who exhibit expected behaviors and qualities associated with maturity, responsibility, and societal norms. What's considered "proper" can vary based on cultural and situational contexts.

How can I use "proper adults" in a sentence?

You might say, "In order to handle this situation effectively, we need to ensure that we are all acting as "responsible adults"", implying a need for mature and thoughtful behavior.

What can I say instead of "proper adults"?

You can use alternatives like "mature individuals", "responsible adults", or "functioning adults", depending on the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is the phrase "proper adults" formal or informal?

The formality of "proper adults" depends on context. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, though alternatives like "mature individuals" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.