tour proper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tour proper" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the main or official part of a tour, distinguishing it from preliminary or additional activities. Example: "After the introductory session, we will begin the tour proper, which will take us through the main exhibits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Per past practice, Springsteen performed a couple of public rehearsal shows at Asbury Park Convention Hall before beginning the tour proper.

Wikipedia

Once the first leg of the tour proper began at San Jose, California on April 1, the consistent show opener was "Badlands" – whose ending, or false ending, was framed with a recurrence of the Magic Tour's question of "Is there anybody alive out there?" – several things became apparent.

Wikipedia

Subsequent introductions would explicitly clarify the song's purpose: "This song is not a rebel song, this song is 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'!" On 26 February 1983 at Caird Hall in Dundee, Scotland, the War Tour proper began, with the album's release coming two days later.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Leave the eight real planets to the tour parties; proper travellers head for dwarf planets.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 14-week-old Capuchin monkey, Mally, was seized after Mr. Bieber landed at Munich airport for the German leg of a European tour without proper documentation for the pet.

The New York Times

However, on this tour, the proper Thingvellir version was not included since my daughter and I were dropped off to go snorkeling in the gorgeous ravine Silfra.

Huffington Post

Rihanna Birmingham NEC, Mon; Bournemouth International Centre Tues; Newcastle Arena Thurs Glasgow SECCC Fri and touring The 'Umbrella'-toting R&B star jets in for a proper tour.

The Guardian - Music

We opened a ton of shows for The Dixie Chicks in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, we did a proper tour of the U.S. with The Jayhawks, which was really a great tour, and then it was time for us all to get back to our individual stuff.

Huffington Post

"We just wanted to get on, we wanted to play, we wanted to release stuff, we'd been doing everything we could off our own backs, but then it was like, well, we need some help, so we signed to a major label," says Walters. "People in London, our friends, they were all really positive, but when we started touring we'd get loads of grief because we had a proper tour bus and stuff like that.

The Guardian - Music

That was my first proper tour.

The Guardian - Music

I'd been given the proper tour of Naples.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tour proper", ensure the context is clear. It often implies a contrast with something less formal or preparatory. Provide enough information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tour proper" when simply referring to a general tour without any specific distinction needed. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tour proper" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving to specify the core or main segment of a planned itinerary or series of events. It is often used to distinguish the primary touring schedule from rehearsals, side events, or promotional activities. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts such as the start of a concert series or a structured visit.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tour proper" is a phrase used to specify the main or official part of a tour, distinguishing it from rehearsals or preliminary activities. Ludwig indicates it is grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "main tour" or "official tour" can be used for similar meaning. Using "tour proper" appropriately helps clarify the scope of the tour being discussed, but overusing it can sound overly formal. Overall, according to Ludwig AI, the use of this expression in formal contexts is proper.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main tour

Replaces "proper" with "main", emphasizing the primary or central aspect of the tour.

official tour

Substitutes "proper" with "official", highlighting the formal or sanctioned nature of the tour.

actual tour

Replaces "proper" with "actual" to emphasize the reality of the tour as opposed to rehearsals or previews.

full tour

Uses "full" instead of "proper" to indicate a complete and comprehensive tour experience.

complete tour

Similar to "full tour", this highlights the exhaustive nature of the tour.

real tour

Emphasizes the genuineness of the tour, differentiating it from potential imitations.

core tour

Focuses on the central or most important element of the tour.

primary tour

Indicates the main tour as opposed to side events or activities.

formal tour

Emphasizes the structured and organized nature of the tour.

scheduled tour

Highlights that the tour is part of the planned events, differing from unplanned things.

FAQs

How can I use "tour proper" in a sentence?

You can use "tour proper" to distinguish the main part of a tour from preliminary events or activities, as in: "After the rehearsals, the band began the "tour proper" in San Francisco."

What's an alternative to saying "tour proper"?

Alternatives include "main tour", "official tour", or "actual tour", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "official tour proper"?

Yes, using both "official" and "proper" is typically redundant. Choose one or the other based on which best fits the context. For example: "official tour" or "tour proper".

When is it appropriate to use "tour proper" instead of just "tour"?

Use "tour proper" when you need to specifically differentiate the main part of a tour from related or preparatory events. If you're simply referring to the tour in general, "tour" is sufficient.