proper sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an understanding or interpretation that is appropriate or accurate in a given context. Example: "In order to fully grasp the concept, one must approach it with a proper sense of its historical background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There should be "a proper sense that this is progressive".

The Guardian

Very often children don't have a proper sense of time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These characters are puppets – in the proper sense".

The Guardian - Music

She had a very pleasing personality and showed every evidence of a proper sense of proportion".

The New Yorker

I believe in democracy and I don't believe their governments were democratic in the proper sense.

Independent

They have given it the one thing it always lacked: a proper sense of history.

The New Yorker

Obviously, she did not work in the proper sense of the word.

The Economist

Of these, only Kanuri is a lingua franca in the proper sense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The act, although it may affect, does not in any proper sense regulate, commerce.

Cornell University

Only then can one obtain a proper sense of their eyesore quotient.

The New York Times

The group don't release records in the proper sense; instead their concerts can be downloaded online.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "proper sense", ensure the context clearly defines what is considered 'proper' to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the standard or criteria being applied.

Common error

Avoid using "proper sense" without providing context or clarification, which can lead to confusion. Always specify the criteria that define what is 'proper' in the given situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper sense" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'proper' modifies 'sense'. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction suggests an understanding or interpretation that aligns with established standards or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proper sense" is a commonly used phrase that denotes an accurate, appropriate, or correct understanding of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, demonstrate its versatility. While generally neutral in register, the phrase emphasizes the importance of viewing a subject from a suitable or accurate perspective. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide sufficient context, as the definition of 'proper' can vary depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accurate understanding

Focuses on the correctness and truthfulness of the understanding.

correct interpretation

Highlights the accuracy in explaining or understanding something.

appropriate perspective

Emphasizes the suitability of the viewpoint.

suitable appreciation

Implies recognizing and valuing something as it should be.

fitting awareness

Stresses the relevance and appropriateness of the knowledge.

reasonable judgment

Highlights the quality of being fair and sensible in making evaluations.

due consideration

Implies careful and thoughtful attention to something.

sound discernment

Focuses on the ability to judge well.

valid perception

Emphasizes that the way something is seen or understood is legitimate.

balanced view

Highlights a perspective that considers all sides equally.

FAQs

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

You can use "proper sense" to indicate an accurate or appropriate understanding of something. For example, "It's important to approach the problem with a "proper sense" of its complexity."

What can I say instead of "proper sense"?

You can use alternatives like "accurate understanding", "appropriate perspective", or "correct interpretation" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "proper sense of" or "good sense of"?

While both can be used, "proper sense of" often implies a more precise or accurate understanding, whereas "good sense of" can indicate a general awareness or intuition.

What does it mean to have a "proper sense of proportion"?

Having a "proper sense of proportion" means understanding the relative importance of different things, allowing you to judge matters fairly and avoid exaggerating or downplaying their significance.