proportionate alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proportionate alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or solutions that are balanced or appropriate in relation to a specific situation or problem. Example: "In addressing the issue of resource allocation, we must consider a proportionate alternative that meets the needs of all stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"A more proportionate alternative to banning khat and criminalising its use would have been an import ban or making it a supply offence only as applies, for example, to controlled anabolic steroids," said Martin Barnes from charity Drugscope.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"What my client hopes is that Uefa will be forced to review this rule and go for more proportionate alternatives," said Dupont.

BBC

"If you have more proportionate alternatives, meaning they do less damage to EU freedoms, you have to go for them," he continued.

BBC

40.3(b));         o A variety of proportionate alternatives to post-trial detention shall be available which ensure that children are dealt with in a manner appropriate to their well-being (Art. 40.4).

Unicef

"For the next couple of years that to me looks like the lowest fruitful approach," she said, advocating for such tools as an alternative and proportionate strategy (vs the stick of a new legal regime) for working across the vast scale of online content that needs moderation without risking the pitfall of chilling censorship.

TechCrunch

That means proving there is an overwhelming humanitarian need; that there is no alternative; and that the action is proportionate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The properties of the standard cross sectional test of the Law of Proportionate Effect (LPE) are compared with those of three alternative panel unit root tests, using Monte Carlo methods.

International Journal of Industrial Organization

It called however for "proportionate" regulation that does not undermine the development of products such as e-cigarettes that provide alternative sources of nicotine to tobacco.

The Guardian

The Cabinet is in no doubt that this is a necessary, proportionate and lawful response to a situation of extreme humanitarian suffering, and that there is no practicable alternative.

The Guardian

"The Cabinet is in no doubt that this is a necessary, proportionate and lawful response to a situation of extreme humanitarian suffering, and that there is no practicable alternative," he said.

BBC

The outcome of the meeting was to establish 'Best Practices for Responding to Cyber Hate' [9] that recommend timely and proportionate responses from social media providers, and for the Internet community to explore avenues for counter-speech as a viable alternative to criminal sanctions.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proportionate alternative" when you want to convey that a solution or option is balanced, fair, and appropriate in relation to the problem it aims to solve.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "proportionate alternative" means an equal one. Proportionality considers the scale and context of the issue, while equality implies sameness regardless of circumstance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proportionate alternative" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It is used to describe an option or solution that is appropriately balanced and scaled to the issue at hand, as supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proportionate alternative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's suitable for scenarios where balanced and equitable solutions are sought. While the phrase is not very common, it holds considerable value in formal discussions across various domains. Key to its effective use is the understanding that "proportionate" does not mean "equal" but rather appropriately scaled to the situation. When a balanced, fair, or reasonable solution is needed, consider using "proportionate alternative".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commensurate option

Replaces "proportionate" with "commensurate", suggesting a similar level of suitability or equivalence.

equivalent substitute

Emphasizes the idea of equality in value or effect as a replacement.

balanced substitute

Highlights the idea of equilibrium and fairness in the alternative.

suitable substitute

Focuses on the appropriateness of the replacement in a specific situation.

appropriate option

Stresses the relevance and suitability of the alternative.

fitting alternative

Implies that the alternative is well-suited and harmonious with the situation.

justified alternative

Emphasizes the reason and the fairness of using the alternative.

rational option

Highlights the logical and sensible nature of the alternative.

reasonable substitute

Indicates that the alternative is fair and within acceptable limits.

tempered alternative

Suggests a moderated or controlled alternative, especially in response to something extreme.

FAQs

How can I use "proportionate alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "proportionate alternative" when discussing options that offer a balanced and appropriate solution to a problem. For example: "A more "proportionate alternative" to banning something outright would be to regulate it more strictly".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "proportionate alternative"?

Some alternatives include "commensurate option", "balanced substitute", or "suitable substitute". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "proportionate" mean in the context of "proportionate alternative"?

In this context, "proportionate" means that the alternative is appropriately scaled to the situation it addresses. It implies a sense of balance and fairness, avoiding extremes or overreactions.

Is "proportionate alternative" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "proportionate alternative" leans towards the formal side and is often used in professional, legal, or ethical discussions. However, the context of the conversation determines the appropriateness of the use.