social propriety

USAGE SUMMARY

'social propriety' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to behavior that is accepted by society as being polite, proper or respectful. For example: People in polite society are expected to behave according to certain standards of social propriety.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Or you can enjoy it as an hour trapped in Brookes' glitching imagination, where comedy, social propriety and the self disassemble into meaningless parts.

The Guardian

From the age of 13, she lived in Paris with her mother, Clara, who carefully groomed her three daughters for social propriety and prominence.

The New York Times

Think of that physical energy modified and controlled to conform with social propriety, adhering to the manners that she both celebrates and mocks in her fiction.

The New York Times - Arts

Karr wants to have adventures too, which classifies her as an eccentric and something of a tomboy; her "natural enthusiasm," she writes, "often outstrips social propriety".

The New York Times - Books

By now the air is thick with a sense of social propriety, which is relieved by a section devoted to increasingly erotic erotica, complete with posted warning sign.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps a standup comedian, especially somebody as out there as Pryor, would appreciate her disregard for social propriety, her outrageousness, her loyalty to nothing but the workings of her own startlingly original mind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"No leering, flirting or passing of mobile numbers anywhere". Reinforcements of the morality police will be on hand to ensure that social proprieties are observed.

The Guardian

Even at this late date when God knows, anything goes, Porter's needling commentary on social proprieties and irreverent treatment of sexual politics has lost practically none of its post-Freudian edge and antipuritanical bite.

The New York Times - Books

In times of mourning and shock, human beings drop the social proprieties and their faces convey clearer pictures of their emotions, said Dr. Gordon Bower, a professor of psychology at Stanford University who studies body language and facial expression.

The New York Times - Style

He used humor to comment on human foibles, and subtle teasing to poke at social proprieties.

Los Angeles Times

Sometimes such relationships were said to occur "by accident", when people were sleeping; but as long as social fictions and propriety were maintained, these remained unspoken.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical contexts, use "social propriety" to convey how societal expectations shaped individual behavior and interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "social propriety" when you actually mean "social justice". "Social propriety" refers to adhering to conventional standards of behavior, while "social justice" concerns fairness and equality in society.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "social propriety" is that of a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly conveys accepted societal behaviour.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social propriety" is a noun phrase that describes adherence to socially accepted norms and behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct phrase. It is commonly used in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts to discuss cultural expectations and societal standards. While the phrase itself is grammatically straightforward, understanding its nuances and related concepts is crucial for effective communication. Remember to distinguish it from similar-sounding terms like "social justice", and consider alternatives like "social decorum" or "etiquette" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social decorum

Focuses more on etiquette and manners within social settings.

social conventions

Emphasizes the established norms and practices of a society.

etiquette

Refers to the rules of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

social norms

Highlights the standards of acceptable behavior within a group or society.

accepted behavior

Broadly refers to conduct that is generally approved or tolerated in a specific context.

appropriate conduct

Stresses the suitability and correctness of actions in a given situation.

cultural norms

Highlights that the propriety is given by culture and is thus culturally dependent.

manners

Focuses on the outward display of politeness and respect.

civility

Emphasizes politeness and courteousness in behavior or speech.

customary behavior

Refers to behaviors that are commonly practiced and accepted within a culture.

FAQs

How is "social propriety" used in historical contexts?

"Social propriety" is often used to describe the expected behaviors and customs of a particular era, reflecting the values and norms of that time. Understanding "social propriety" helps to interpret literature and historical events.

What are some alternatives to "social propriety"?

Depending on the context, you could use "social decorum", "etiquette", "social norms", or "accepted behavior" as alternatives to "social propriety".

How does "social propriety" differ from personal ethics?

"Social propriety" concerns externally imposed standards of behavior deemed appropriate by society, while personal ethics are an individual's internal moral principles. Conforming to "social propriety" does not necessarily equate to ethical behavior.

In what contexts is "social propriety" most relevant?

"Social propriety" is particularly relevant in discussions about cultural norms, historical periods, formal events, and situations where adhering to established customs is considered important for maintaining social order or avoiding offense.