Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

that's inappropriate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(2)

that is unacceptable

that is out of line

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

He explained that while the center's web site has "o content that's inappropriate,"it just doesn't want to be "abeled".

News & Media

Forbes

"I think bystander intervention is a huge component that we are sadly still failing to talk about," says Bitto. "If you have noticed all night that this person is doing something that's inappropriate, or putting things in people's drinks, and you're just watching it happen, you're definitely part of the problem".

News & Media

Vice

Murdoch: Mr Watson, that's inappropriate.

News & Media

The New York Times

Sometimes I come down and paint out stuff that's inappropriate.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

I was like, 'Wow, that's inappropriate," she told the newspaper.

News & Media

The Guardian

Mr. Will said: "Using a salad fork for your entrée, that's inappropriate".

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

They tell jokes that are inappropriate".

News & Media

The New York Times

"But that wouldn't excuse conduct that is inappropriate.

News & Media

The New York Times

"There's a whole range of things that are inappropriate".

News & Media

The Guardian - Books

"I never saw anything that was inappropriate," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times - Style

"Did Tek behave in a way that was inappropriate?

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience when using this phrase. While generally acceptable, it can be perceived as somewhat informal. In highly formal settings, consider using a more formal equivalent like "that is unacceptable".

Common error

While "that's inappropriate" is widely understood, it can sound too casual in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for phrases like "that is unsuitable" or "that is unacceptable" to maintain a more professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's inappropriate" functions as an expressive statement, conveying disapproval or disagreement with a particular action, behavior, or statement. It indicates that something is not suitable or acceptable in a given context. Ludwig highlights its usage in various news and media outlets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that's inappropriate" is a commonly used phrase to express disapproval or disagreement, indicating that something is not suitable or acceptable. Ludwig identifies its frequent occurrence in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "that is unacceptable" in professional settings. This phrase is a direct way to communicate a negative judgment but should be used judiciously to maintain appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is quite inappropriate

Adds emphasis to the degree of inappropriateness.

that is unacceptable

Uses a stronger word to emphasize the lack of acceptance.

that is improper

Replaces "inappropriate" with a synonym suggesting a breach of etiquette.

I find that inappropriate

Personalizes the statement by indicating the speaker's disapproval.

that is not suitable

Replaces the contraction and uses a more formal term for acceptability.

that is out of line

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate a transgression of boundaries.

that crosses the line

Emphasizes the action exceeds acceptable boundaries or limits.

that is not right

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express disapproval.

that behavior is wrong

Shifts the focus to the specific behavior being deemed inappropriate.

that's not on

A more informal, colloquial way of expressing disapproval, common in British English.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "that's inappropriate"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "that is unacceptable" or "that is unsuitable" which convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Can "that's inappropriate" be used in professional settings?

Yes, it can be used in professional settings, but be mindful of the context. In highly formal environments, consider alternatives like "that is unacceptable" or "that is unsuitable" for a more polished tone.

What does "that's inappropriate" mean?

It means that something is not suitable, proper, or acceptable in a given situation. It expresses disapproval or disagreement.

What are some less direct ways to express that something is inappropriate?

Instead of directly stating "that's inappropriate", you could say "that is out of line" or "that crosses the line" to soften the message while still conveying disapproval.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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that's inappropriateGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

that's inappropriate
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples