show of propriety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show of propriety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that demonstrates proper conduct or decorum in a given situation. Example: "His decision to wear a suit to the meeting was a show of propriety, reflecting his respect for the occasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As someone who is always comparing herself with others, Hedda puts great store in appearances and in the show of propriety — she fears scandal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The report chastises Meese for abusing the tolerance written into certain laws, for showing insensitivity to the appearance of propriety, and for doing other things that by almost any standard but Meese's were wrong.

The New Yorker

The report chastises Meese for abusing the tolerance written into certain laws, for showing insensitivity to the appearance of propriety, and for doing other things that by almost any standard but Meese's were wrong..

The New Yorker

I only wish they would have shown the same sense of propriety during the run up to the Iraq War and tell their viewers that GE is also a major military contractor and that many of the retired military officers and other "experts" they had on the air were in a position to personally profit from the outbreak of war.

Huffington Post

Moments later, Judge Edwards and Judge A. Raymond Randolph, pressed Mr. Frederick further to show the propriety of Judge Jackson's decision to have issued such a sweeping order without at least giving the company a chance to argue against it.

The New York Times

In "Weeds," Mary-Louise Parker plays a housewife named Nancy, who turned to drug dealing as a way to make ends meet after her husband died unexpectedly; in the course of five seasons, the series, which began as a spirited satire of suburban life, showing just how thin the veneer of propriety is, became sloppy, repetitive, and incredible, its plot threads like drunken guests who refuse to leave.

The New Yorker

Even so, he conceded having "a lot of trepidation" about joining "America's Got Talent" (though he noted that he has often appeared on network television, on programs like "Late Show With David Letterman," and within the bounds of propriety).

The New York Times

After two weeks of construction and delivery delays, aborted shipments and a crisis of faith over the show's propriety, what is formally the seventh American Hospital of Paris French Designer Showhouse opens its doors today, right on schedule, in a 1906 Beaux Arts mansion at 47 East 68th Street.

The New York Times

A lawyer belongs to a profession with inherited standards of propriety and honor, which experience has shown necessary in a calling dedicated to the accomplishment of justice.

Cornell University

This issue shows a potential concern that can arise with the use of propriety methods.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Not for nothing is Oehlen a mighty influence on younger artists, showing them the rewards in freedom that may follow upon a willing sacrifice of propriety.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show of propriety" when you want to emphasize the outward appearance or demonstration of correct behavior, especially in situations where maintaining appearances is important.

Common error

Avoid using "show of propriety" when you simply mean that someone behaved properly without any particular emphasis on outward appearances. In such cases, use a more direct phrase such as "acted appropriately" or "behaved respectfully".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show of propriety" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an action or behavior that demonstrates proper conduct or decorum.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show of propriety" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an action or behavior demonstrating proper conduct or decorum. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's important to note that it is a relatively rare expression, predominantly found in news and media contexts. When using "show of propriety", ensure that the emphasis is on the outward demonstration of proper behavior, and consider alternatives like "demonstration of decorum" or "display of respect" if a more direct or less formal tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstration of decorum

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating dignified behavior.

display of respect

Highlights the act of showing honor or consideration.

act of decorum

Focuses on a specific action that aligns with proper conduct.

gesture of respectability

Indicates an action intended to convey a respectable image.

exhibition of good form

Highlights adherence to established social conventions.

observance of protocol

Focuses on following established rules and procedures.

evidence of correct behavior

Highlights the demonstration of proper actions in a specific situation.

manifestation of etiquette

Highlights the acting according to rules or conventions of correct or polite behavior in society.

performance of social graces

Highlights the use of refined or elegant manners.

expression of seemliness

Focuses on the outward manifestation of appropriate behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "show of propriety" to describe an action intended to demonstrate proper conduct or decorum, as in, "His decision to wear a suit was a "show of propriety"."

What does "show of propriety" mean?

"Show of propriety" refers to an action or behavior that demonstrates proper conduct, decorum, or adherence to social conventions, often with an emphasis on outward appearance.

What can I say instead of "show of propriety"?

You can use alternatives like "demonstration of decorum", "display of respect", or "act of decorum" depending on the context.

Is "show of propriety" formal or informal?

"Show of propriety" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. It's suitable for use in news articles or academic papers but may sound overly formal in casual conversation.