sense of proprietary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of proprietary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of ownership or entitlement over something, often in a context where someone feels a strong connection or claim to a particular idea, project, or space. Example: "Her sense of proprietary over the project made it difficult for others to contribute their ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ms. Vegter showed a sense of proprietary pride.

The New York Times - Arts

I have a pleasurable sense of proprietary interest in Acela's well-being.

The New York Times - Travel

In contrast, images by photographers like Abbott and Evans "irradiate a sense of proprietary nonchalance when they picture the city".

The New York Times - Arts

Then, to the queasy surprise of the small community of people in Washington who follow American diplomacy with a sense of proprietary interest, things fell apart.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

One can see how the Swedish Academy might have resisted giving the prize to a local boy out of some sense of propriety, so it's great to see that sense of propriety give way to a more proper sense of the proprietary.

The New Yorker

The Upper East Side of Manhattan isn't the only place where residents feel a proprietary sense of ownership of parking spaces.

The New York Times

A personal and proprietary sense of Hamilton, co-author of the Federalist Papers and the first treasury secretary, was evident among neighbors.

The New York Times

"She was very involved in the process and that she had a very strong proprietary sense of how John Edwards was going to be presented," he said.

The New York Times

Along with the indulgences of state financing, a proprietary sense of cultural inheritance and a music press inclined toward novelty, this gives an urgency to opera here, never mind if the results are sometimes awful.

The New York Times - Arts

"He certainly had a very proprietary sense of the job and his role in government, and that was often a great motivator to get things done, and sometimes it was a distraction," added Mr. Celli, who was appointed by Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson, a Democrat, when Mr. Paterson was Senate minority leader.

The New York Times

Parents who have formed a fantasy bond with their children also believe that children "belong" to their biological parents in the proprietary sense of the word.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of proprietary" when you want to convey a feeling of ownership or strong personal connection to something, especially when that feeling might be perceived as a bit possessive or exclusive.

Common error

While "sense of proprietary" is generally acceptable, it can sound slightly informal or possessive in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using alternatives like "feeling of responsibility" or "sense of stewardship" if a more neutral tone is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of proprietary" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a feeling or perception related to ownership or exclusivity, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of proprietary" describes a feeling of ownership or exclusive connection, often carrying a nuance of possessiveness. While grammatically sound and understood, it's more common in news and general contexts than in formal academic or scientific writing. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Be mindful of the potential for negative connotations, and consider alternatives like "feeling of ownership" or "sense of responsibility" in contexts where neutrality is preferred. Understanding the subtle implications helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of ownership

Focuses on the emotional state of possessing something.

sense of ownership

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the feeling rather than the proprietary nature.

proprietary feeling

Reverses the order of the words, putting emphasis on the proprietary aspect.

feeling of entitlement

Highlights the belief that one deserves something, often without justification.

sense of entitlement

Emphasizes a belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

feeling of exclusive right

Highlights the idea that the right or privilege is not shared.

possessive attitude

Highlights the behavior associated with feeling like one owns something.

feeling of possessiveness

Emphasizes the state of being possessive over something.

sense of exclusive belonging

Focuses on the feeling of being part of a select group or having a unique connection.

air of exclusivity

Suggests an atmosphere or impression of being limited to a select few.

FAQs

What does "sense of proprietary" mean?

The phrase "sense of proprietary" refers to a feeling of ownership or exclusive right toward something, whether it's an idea, a project, or a physical space.

How can I use "sense of proprietary" in a sentence?

You might say, "She had a strong "sense of proprietary" over the research, making it difficult for others to contribute".

What can I say instead of "sense of proprietary"?

Alternatives include "feeling of ownership", "sense of ownership", or "feeling of entitlement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation to "sense of proprietary"?

Yes, it can sometimes imply possessiveness or an unwillingness to share, depending on the context. The alternatives such as "sense of responsibility", "sense of stewardship" are more positive.