the proper ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the proper ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the appropriate or suitable items, people, or things in a given context. Example: "Make sure to select the proper ones for the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(He got that right. Clarkson repeatedly decries "big, weird dungaree-wearing lesbian parents" or "black lesbian Muslims", while lusting after "the proper ones in stockings that you find on the internet").

The Guardian - Opinion

That's where e-support can help, keeping an eye on the computer's settings and restoring the proper ones if something goes wrong.

Forbes

The accompanying charts show the official figures, alongside Mr. FitzGerald's estimates of the proper ones after adjusting for the foreign-owned profits.

The New York Times

When the above conditions are met, if only approximately, the settings will be the proper ones for investigating the Vulnerability Problem.

SEP

The motivation for introducing proper efficient points is that it enables one to prove the existence of equivalent scalar problems whose solutions produce at least most of the efficient points, namely the proper ones [2].

Mathematical Sciences

The proper scale-up variables were found not to correspond to the dimensionless variables commonly used in scale-up studies, but total addition time, tt, and angular mixing velocity, ω, seemed to be the proper ones.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

6.40am BST If you're looking for news on the other Luis Suarez - the proper one - the Fifa disciplinary meeting that will decide on any punishment for the striker did not reach a conclusion on Wednesday and will continue into Thursday morning Brazilian time.

The Guardian - Sport

Joseph did so and then asked for the linesman who had made the call to confirm which mark on the clay was the proper one.

The New York Times - Sports

The decision of the Defense Department not to scapegoat individual commanders for the terrorist attack on the destroyer Cole is clearly the proper one (news article, Jan . 20.

The New York Times

"The strategy we're following at this time is the proper one," the general assured America, and "is producing results".

The New York Times

Glancing at Mr. Jamison, then at the families, the judge said, "The maximum sentence is the proper one".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more specific term than 'ones' would enhance clarity. For example, 'the proper tools', 'the proper methods', or 'the proper channels' might be more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "the proper ones" without clearly defining what makes them 'proper'. This can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't understand the criteria you're using.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the proper ones" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a noun phrase. It refers to specific items, people, or concepts that meet a particular criterion of suitability or correctness. This is evident from examples in Ludwig, where the phrase points to a selection from a set of available choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the proper ones" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to indicate suitability or correctness within a given context. According to Ludwig, it is often employed in news, scientific, and wiki sources, and its usage typically implies a need for discernment among multiple options. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure that the criteria for 'proper' are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "the correct choices" or "the suitable options" can provide greater precision depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the correct choices

Replaces 'proper' with 'correct' and 'ones' with 'choices', emphasizing accuracy in selection.

the suitable options

Substitutes 'proper' with 'suitable' and 'ones' with 'options', focusing on appropriateness.

the appropriate selections

Replaces 'proper' with 'appropriate' and 'ones' with 'selections', highlighting relevance.

the right alternatives

Uses 'right' instead of 'proper' and 'alternatives' instead of 'ones', stressing correctness.

the ideal candidates

Replaces 'proper' with 'ideal' and 'ones' with 'candidates', emphasizing perfection.

the best selections

Uses 'best' in place of 'proper' and 'selections' instead of 'ones', highlighting superiority.

the fitting choices

Replaces 'proper' with 'fitting' and 'ones' with 'choices', emphasizing suitability.

the accurate picks

Substitutes 'proper' with 'accurate' and 'ones' with 'picks', stressing precision.

the appropriate items

Replaces 'ones' with 'items', specifying things being considered.

the designated elements

Replaces 'proper' with 'designated' and 'ones' with 'elements', focusing on specification.

FAQs

How can I use "the proper ones" in a sentence?

You can use "the proper ones" to refer to items, people, or methods that are suitable or correct for a specific purpose. For example, "Ensure you select "the proper tools" for the job to avoid damaging the equipment."

What are some alternatives to "the proper ones"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the correct choices", "the suitable options", or "the appropriate selections".

Is it better to specify the noun after "the proper" instead of using "ones"?

In many cases, specifying the noun (e.g., "the proper tools", "the proper methods") provides greater clarity and avoids ambiguity. Using "the proper ones" is acceptable when the noun is already clear from the context.

What's the difference between "the proper ones" and "the right ones"?

"The proper ones" generally implies suitability and adherence to established standards, while "the right ones" can also refer to moral correctness or simply being the most advantageous option. The best choice depends on the specific context.