proper for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate suitability or appropriateness for a particular purpose or context. Example: "This attire is not proper for a formal event."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is proper for the mysterious satellite.

The New York Times

(A mansion proper for a mourning God).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Is it proper for women to enjoy Top Gear?

The Times

Was Mr. Duncan's action proper for a financial auditor?

The New York Times

It is not proper for them to speak".

The New York Times

A specific lock version, proper for the application, is proposed.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

What is much in dispute is just which rate is proper for pension accounting.

The New York Times - Magazine

Because that's just not proper for a nine year old to see.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Stephen Sartarelli's elegant translation, it's an entertainment proper for the thinking person.

The New York Times - Books

He wrote instead, "I do not think it would be proper for me to recuse".

The New York Times - Magazine

When state-sponsored terrorists strike, it is right and proper for us to retaliate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proper for", ensure the context clearly defines what standards or requirements are being met. For example, specify if something is "proper for" a formal occasion, a specific age group, or a particular purpose.

Common error

Avoid assuming a universal standard of propriety. What's considered "proper for" one culture or social group may not be in another. Be mindful of cultural differences when applying the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate suitability or appropriateness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing that something meets the required standards or expectations for a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proper for" is a versatile expression used to indicate suitability or appropriateness in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. As highlighted in the usage analysis, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic sources, suggesting a broad applicability across different domains. While "proper for" is often interchangeable with alternatives like ""suitable for"" or ""appropriate for"", it often carries a stronger connotation of adherence to established standards or etiquette. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of cultural contexts and clearly define the specific standards being met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suitable for

Focuses on general fitness or compatibility.

appropriate for

Emphasizes the correctness in a specific situation.

fit for

Suggests being in the right condition or state.

apt for

Implies a natural or inherent suitability.

right for

Indicates correctness or moral suitability.

befitting

Suggests being suitable and appropriate.

applicable to

Highlights relevance to a specific case.

well-suited to

Emphasizes a strong degree of compatibility.

designed for

Implies a specific intended purpose.

intended for

Focuses on the planned or purposed use.

FAQs

How do I use "proper for" in a sentence?

Use "proper for" to indicate that something is suitable or appropriate for a specific purpose or context. For example, "This attire is not "suitable for" a formal event" or "Is this tool "appropriate for" the job?".

What are some alternatives to using "proper for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""suitable for"", ""appropriate for"", "fit for", or "right for".

Is there a difference between "proper for" and "suitable for"?

While "proper for" and ""suitable for"" are often interchangeable, "proper for" emphasizes adherence to a specific standard or etiquette, while ""suitable for"" indicates a more general compatibility or fitness.

What makes something "proper for" a specific situation?

What is considered "proper for" a situation depends on established norms, rules, or expectations. These may be influenced by cultural context, professional standards, or personal preferences. Always consider the context when determining what is "appropriate".