properly well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "properly well" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used informally to emphasize that something is done in a thorough or correct manner, but it is generally better to avoid it in formal writing. Example: "She completed the project properly well, exceeding all expectations."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But they find that often people are pushed before they are properly well.

The Guardian

The serial-to-parallel converter operates properly well above the 20 kHz design clock frequency.

Microelectronics Journal

But then, nothing was explained properly (well, perhaps I wasn't listening) and we certainly didn't see any live performances.

The Guardian - Books

She also worries about the short length of therapy, when it does happen, leaving young people without support before they are properly well.

The Guardian

Keeping up with your home is like keeping up with your health and if you manage it properly, you can keep things working properly well into the future.

HuffPost

After visiting a doctor, I found out that glasses actually would be beneficial for not only seeing but also keeping my eyes healthy and working properly well into the future.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When surveys are structured properly, well-tested, and implemented in an appropriate way, there is a high level of data validity.

Research Methods in Human Computer Interaction

Probably should go ahead and set "Input" properly as well.

Princeton University

And healthy people can develop sepsis from an infection that's not treated properly as well.

The New York Times - Health

("Gene-doping", done properly, may well prove to have no side-effects at all).

The Economist

Although the 10% committee by agents of the state have to be investigated properly as well," Lewis said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "properly well" can be used for emphasis, consider using more common and stylistically polished alternatives such as "thoroughly" or "effectively" to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "properly well" repeatedly in formal documents or professional communications. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated. Instead, vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms such as "thoroughly", "effectively", or "adequately".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly well" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig suggests that while acceptable, the phrase is not standard and might be better replaced with more common alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "properly well" isn't strictly incorrect, it's not considered standard English and can sound awkward in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI notes, it's better to opt for more common and polished alternatives like "thoroughly", "effectively", or "sufficiently well" to maintain clarity and professionalism. Its use appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, but its informal tone may make it less suitable for highly formal writing. Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use "properly well", and be prepared to substitute it with a more widely accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently well

Emphasizes adequacy in achieving a satisfactory standard, rather than perfection.

adequately well

Focuses on meeting a minimum requirement or standard with a degree of competence.

correctly and effectively

Splits the original phrase into two distinct aspects: accuracy and efficiency.

thoroughly and effectively

Highlights both the comprehensiveness and the successful outcome of an action.

in a satisfactory manner

Replaces the adverbial emphasis with a more formal and descriptive phrase.

to a good standard

Shifts the focus to the quality of the result, implying competence.

with competence

Emphasizes the skill and ability involved in performing an action.

as it should be

Offers a simpler, more idiomatic way of saying something is done right.

according to requirements

Highlights compliance with specific standards or specifications.

up to par

Implies that something meets the expected level of quality or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "properly well" in a sentence?

While not standard English, "properly well" can be used informally to emphasize that something is done thoroughly or correctly. For example, "She completed the project properly well, exceeding all expectations."

What are some alternatives to "properly well"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficiently well", "adequately well", or "thoroughly and effectively" depending on the context.

Is "properly well" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "properly well" is not a standard or widely accepted phrase in formal English. It's generally better to use more common alternatives for clearer and more professional communication.

When should I avoid using "properly well"?

Avoid using "properly well" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. It's more suitable for informal conversation or casual writing where emphasis is desired without strict adherence to formal grammar.