proper of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper of" is not correct or usable in written English.
You could use the phrase "proper to" instead. For example, "It is proper to thank people for their help."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The trial proper of Karadzic is expected to start after the summer break.

The Guardian

I thought it was only proper of me to say: 'Look, I'm going.

The Guardian - Music

The Proper of the mass includes the scriptural texts that change daily with the liturgical calendar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At some point, there's going to be a proper of assessment of what the academic and research needs will be".

The Guardian

The first line of the text proper of Being and Time is, "We are ourselves the entities to be analysed".

The Guardian - Opinion

That this classically irreverent moment of screwball comedy came from MGM, normally the most proper of studios, makes it all the more delicious.

The New York Times

When we founded Westfields 50 years ago, reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup would have been nothing more than a wild dream.

The Guardian - Sport

Fortunately a goalless draw was enough to see Newcastle in today's draw for the first round proper of the Uefa Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

We got to the first round proper of the FA Cup, and took Chester (then a league side) to a replay.

The Guardian - Sport

Mary Lomax, six years younger, was the more proper of the two her back yardstick straight, her snow-white hair carefully permed.

The New Yorker

Versace's place on the couture schedule adds a sexuality not usually associated with this most proper of the Paris fashion weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for correctness, replace "proper of" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "proper to", "appropriate for", or "suitable for" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "proper of" in academic or professional contexts. While it occasionally appears, it's often perceived as incorrect. Opt for alternatives such as "appropriate for" or "characteristic of" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper of" primarily functions as a qualifier, attempting to specify a characteristic or relationship. Ludwig AI flags this usage as potentially incorrect, suggesting the need for alternatives to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "proper of" appears in a variety of sources, including news and encyclopedias, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. Its intended function is to qualify or describe attributes, but its usage can often be ambiguous or incorrect. For accurate and clear writing, it’s best to opt for alternatives like "proper to", "appropriate for", or other contextually suitable phrases. While "proper of" might be encountered, especially in older or specialized texts, avoiding it in contemporary writing ensures grammatical correctness and clarity. The prevalence of the phrase doesn't equate to correctness; instead, awareness of its potential issues is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proper to

Replaces "of" with "to" to create a grammatically correct construction indicating suitability or appropriateness.

appropriate for

Substitutes "proper" with "appropriate" and uses the preposition "for" to denote suitability.

suitable for

Replaces "proper" with "suitable", indicating something is right or appropriate for a specific purpose or situation.

belonging to

Indicates ownership or association, replacing "proper" with a phrase that directly conveys belonging.

characteristic of

Highlights a typical or distinctive feature, shifting the focus from propriety to inherent qualities.

typical of

Emphasizes that something is representative or usual for a particular category or group.

correct for

Focuses on accuracy or correctness in a specific context, rather than general suitability.

right for

Indicates that something is correct or suitable for a particular purpose or situation.

intrinsic to

Highlights that something is an essential part of something else, changing the emphasis from suitability to inherent essence.

inherent in

Similar to "intrinsic to", this phrase underscores that a quality is naturally part of something.

FAQs

What are some correct alternatives to "proper of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "proper to", "appropriate for", or "characteristic of".

When might I encounter the phrase "proper of"?

You might find "proper of" in older texts, specialized contexts (like liturgical music), or instances where it's used non-standardly. However, it's generally best to avoid in contemporary writing.

Is "proper of" grammatically correct?

No, "proper of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The phrase "proper to" is a more acceptable alternative.

How can I avoid using "proper of" in my writing?

Consider what you mean to convey. If you mean "suitable for", use that phrase. If you mean "belonging to", use that phrase. Being direct and specific avoids the issue altogether.