proprietary software

USAGE SUMMARY

"proprietary software" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: "The company runs its operations with proprietary software that is not available to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It also uses proprietary software.

The Economist

"Proprietary software is a kind of drug," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

In the 21st century, proprietary software is computing for suckers.

The Guardian - Tech

Stallman was uneasy over the increasing encroachment of proprietary software.

The New Yorker

Should you trust an internet of proprietary software things?

The Guardian - Tech

Open source software is a reaction against proprietary software.

The New York Times

Dangin's latest invention is a proprietary software package called Photoshoot.

The New Yorker

For distributors of proprietary software, commercial licensing is available.

Stanford University

The great threat to free culture is not proprietary software.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Open source software offers an approved alternative to proprietary software.

Environmental Sciences Europe

I also use Linux and other non-proprietary software wherever possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing software licensing, be precise. Differentiate between "proprietary software" that restricts usage and modification, and open-source software that grants broader freedoms.

Common error

Avoid using "proprietary software" as a general term for all software. "Proprietary software" specifically refers to software with restricted usage rights, while freeware is free to use but may still have restrictions on modification or distribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proprietary software" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing software with restricted rights. The term specifies a category of software governed by copyright and licensing agreements that limit its use, modification, and distribution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proprietary software" is a commonly used term referring to software with restricted usage rights, as confirmed by Ludwig. This noun phrase functions to categorize a specific type of software, making it most relevant in discussions concerning software licensing, intellectual property, and open-source alternatives. While possessing a neutral register, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. A key point to remember is to distinguish "proprietary software" from general terms like "freeware", which, while free to use, may still carry usage restrictions. As such, using precise language helps avoid ambiguity in discussions about software licensing and distribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closed-source software

Replaces "proprietary" with a more descriptive term, focusing on the inaccessibility of the source code.

commercial software

Highlights the software's availability for purchase, a common characteristic of proprietary systems.

licensed software

Emphasizes the licensing aspect, which restricts usage rights compared to open-source alternatives.

non-free software

Focuses on the restriction of freedoms associated with the software, contrasting it with free software.

vendor-specific software

Indicates that the software is tied to a particular vendor or company.

intellectual property software

Highlights the legal protection afforded to the software's code and design.

private software

Similar to "closed-source", emphasizing the private nature of the software's development and distribution.

copyrighted software

Focuses on the copyright protection that prevents unauthorized copying and distribution.

exclusive software

Highlights the limited availability and restricted access to the software.

for-profit software

Emphasizes the commercial motivation behind the software's development and distribution.

FAQs

How is "proprietary software" different from open-source software?

"Proprietary software" restricts users' rights to use, modify, and distribute the software, while open-source software grants these freedoms. Open-source alternatives include "Linux operating system".

What are the advantages of using "proprietary software"?

"Proprietary software" often offers dedicated support, regular updates, and a user-friendly interface. However, it usually comes at a cost and may limit customization options.

What are some alternatives to "proprietary software"?

Alternatives to "proprietary software" include open-source software like "OpenOffice", "LibreOffice", or "Firefox", which provide similar functionality with more user freedom.

Is "proprietary software" always more expensive than open-source software?

While "proprietary software" typically requires a purchase, open-source software is often free of charge. However, open-source solutions may require additional technical expertise for setup and maintenance, leading to hidden costs.