propriety of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propriety of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to discuss the appropriateness or suitability of a particular action, behavior, or situation. Example: "The committee debated the propriety of the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some critics have questioned the propriety of this.

The New Yorker

The issue is not the propriety of Comey's letter.

The New Yorker

The Massachusetts attorney general's office also began an investigation of the propriety of the Brandeis plan.

The New York Times

Mr. Rajaratnam's appeal centers on the propriety of the government's application to wiretap his cellphone.

The New York Times

Chief among them are persistent questions about the propriety of prosecuting a child soldier.

The New York Times

But doubts about the propriety of a lottery bridged the racial gap.

The Economist

Mr. Kingsriter, who by then had left the foundation, questioned the propriety of the agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

Judy was a stickler for the propriety of others, but not her own.

The New York Times

He wasn't so sure: "I am quite seriously discussing the propriety of omitting it".

The New Yorker

The complications here go well beyond the propriety of suggesting that a student enroll elsewhere.

The New York Times

The tension between the expected propriety of church life and his natural rebelliousness is clear.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propriety of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being evaluated for its appropriateness. For example, "The investigation focused on the "propriety of" the financial transactions."

Common error

Avoid using "propriety of" when you simply mean 'ownership' or 'property'. "Propriety" refers to the quality of being appropriate; if you're discussing possessions, use 'property' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propriety of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce a noun or noun phrase that is being evaluated for its appropriateness, ethical nature, or adherence to established norms. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "propriety of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to question or evaluate the appropriateness, ethicality, or adherence to norms of a particular action, decision, or behavior. Ludwig AI analysis of diverse sources shows that this phrase is particularly common in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wikipedia, suggesting a neutral to formal register suitable for professional and academic contexts. While alternatives like "appropriateness of" or "legitimacy of" exist, "propriety of" often carries a stronger connotation of ethical consideration. Therefore, it is important to use the phrase when discussions are ethically or morally inclined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appropriateness of

Emphasizes the suitability of something for a particular situation or purpose.

correctness of

Emphasizes accuracy or freedom from error.

advisability of

Focuses on whether a course of action is recommended or sensible.

validity of

Highlights whether something is well-founded or sound.

acceptability of

Indicates whether something is generally agreed upon or tolerated.

legitimacy of

Highlights the lawfulness or authenticity of something.

soundness of

Focuses on the reliability or stability of something.

justification for

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support an action or belief.

morality of

Highlights whether an action is deemed right or wrong based on moral standards.

ethics of

Examines the moral principles governing conduct or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "propriety of" in a sentence?

Use "propriety of" to question or discuss whether something is appropriate, ethical, or socially acceptable. For example, "The committee is examining the "advisability of" the new policy" or "Critics questioned the "legitimacy of" the government's actions".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "propriety of"?

Alternatives include "appropriateness of", "legitimacy of", or "ethics of", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "propriety of" and "appropriateness of"?

While similar, "propriety of" often carries a stronger connotation of ethical or moral considerations, whereas "appropriateness of" more broadly refers to suitability for a particular situation.

When is it best to use the phrase "propriety of"?

Use "propriety of" when evaluating actions, decisions, or behaviors against a standard of what is right, fitting, or ethical within a given context. If unsure, consider if "morality of" would be a suitable substitute.