proper title

USAGE SUMMARY

"proper title" is correct and can be used in written English.
This expression is generally used to refer to an official or accepted name for something, such as a book, movie, play, or piece of music, that has been given a title. For example, "[The movie] Titanic is a classic film with an iconic proper title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To begin with, its proper title is "A Visit From St. Nicholas".

The New York Times

Start walkin'… Or L'Homme Qui Marche I, to give it its proper title.

The Guardian

It still doesn't have a proper title, or a home, but it is a thing of beauty.

The New York Times

R is of course for Ring, Der Ring des Nibelungen, to give Wagner's grandest conception its proper title.

The Guardian - Music

And Heroes - or "Heroes" to give it its proper title - should clearly be our new national anthem.

The Guardian - Sport

We're also the first team to sustain a proper title defence since Ferguson's United in 2011-12, which shows how difficult it is to challenge on multiple fronts.

The Guardian - Sport

But government officials say they believe that much of El Charcote lies unnecessarily idle and that the Vestey Group lacks proper title to the land, something Vestey contests.

The New York Times

Few, however, will remember that its proper title is "American Gothic" and fewer still can recall the name of the man who painted it as Grant Wood.

The Economist

In the case of a diocesan bishop his proper title is the Lord Bishop of A., whether he is a spiritual peer or not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather than the fog of uncertainty of traditional land law, they are getting proper title deeds.Mr Babatz calls this a "silent revolution".

The Economist

Looper's Rian Johnson will direct the sequel, which has yet to be given a proper title, though it does have a secret working one.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a work's "proper title", ensure you are using the officially recognized name to avoid confusion. For example, mention "A Visit From St. Nicholas", not "The Night Before Christmas".

Common error

Avoid assuming that an informal or commonly used name is the "proper title". Always verify the official designation to maintain accuracy and formality in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper title" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun (e.g., 'the proper title of the book') or serves as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proper title" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the official or correct name of something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. When using "proper title", ensure you are referring to the officially recognized name and avoid confusing it with informal or common names. Alternatives include "official title" and "correct name", but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Correct usage helps maintain clarity and formality in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official title

Focuses on the formally recognized name.

correct name

Emphasizes accuracy in naming.

accurate title

Highlights precision and correctness of the title.

right title

Suggests the appropriateness and correctness of the name.

designated title

Implies a title that has been specifically chosen or assigned.

formal designation

Highlights the formal and official nature of the naming.

canonical title

Emphasizes the title's status as the most authoritative or recognized.

accepted title

Focuses on the widespread recognition and use of the title.

appropriate title

Highlights the suitability of the title in a given context.

precise name

Indicates the accuracy and exactness of the name used.

FAQs

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

You can use "proper title" to indicate the officially recognized name of something, like a book, movie, or person. For example: "The "proper title" of the poem is 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'.

What's the difference between "proper title" and "official name"?

"Proper title" and "official name" are often interchangeable, but "official name" may emphasize the formality and legal recognition, while "proper title" can refer more broadly to the correct or accepted name. Both describe a formal or recognized name.

Which is correct, referring to something by its common name or its "proper title"?

It depends on the context. Using the "proper title" is more formal and accurate, while using the common name is more casual and may be more easily recognized by your audience.

When should I use the "proper title" instead of a nickname or abbreviation?

Use the "proper title" in formal writing, academic papers, legal documents, or any situation where accuracy and formality are important. Nicknames or abbreviations are suitable for informal conversations or when the full title is already understood.