utterly improper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly improper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely inappropriate or unacceptable in a given context. Example: "His behavior at the formal event was utterly improper, drawing disapproving looks from the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is bad enough: it leads to an utterly improper relationship between the civil servants and the very people who, in a system less collusive and secretive than Japan's, they would be monitoring.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The verdict, and punitive damages award in particular, is utterly unjustified, improper and unsupportable".

The New York Times

That is utterly, utterly wrong".

Independent

On Wednesday, the chairman of China Resources, Mr. Song, issued a statement on the company's Web site, denouncing the accusations of improper dealing as "utterly false charges".

The New York Times

Msgr. Thomas B. Derivan, pastor of neighboring St. Helena's parish, spoke about Monsignor Kavanagh at Masses on Sunday, declaring him innocent and saying the allegation of an improper relationship was "utterly foolish and hurtful".

The New York Times

The asterisk * refers to the following footnote by the translator (p. 9): Tho' this instance will serve to explain the meaning of the Author, yet 'tis very improper, because 'tis utterly impossible to give a Man that is born Blind, the least notion or idea of Light or Colours.

SEP

As you play, I hesitate to say presumably in the present day but certainly some years after the asylum has been abandoned, you find objects which bring back memories, presented in a more cartoon-like style – haunted recollections of time spent strapped into various contraptions, of improper staff behaviour, of utterly terrifying circumstances.

Vice

As you play, I hesitate to say presumably in the present day but certainly some years after the asylum has been abandoned, you find objects which bring back memories, presented in a more cartoon-like style haunted recollections of time spent strapped into various contraptions, of improper staff behavior, of utterly terrifying circumstances.

Vice

"Any suggestion that his appointment was due to an improper relationship between us is utterly false, as is any suggestion that I have ever been involved in a relationship with any man," Hague said.

The Guardian

Any suggestion that his appointment was due to an improper relationship between us is utterly false, as is any suggestion that I have ever been involved in a relationship with any man.

The Guardian

He adds: "Clearly there were lots of mistakes made, but any sense there would be improper pressure by Stephen Mitchell on a programme about paedophilia is utterly out of court".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly improper" to describe actions or behaviors that violate established norms or ethical standards in a definitive and complete way. It conveys a strong sense of disapproval and is suitable for formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly improper" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is quite formal and can sound overly dramatic or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "completely wrong" or "totally out of line".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly improper" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the degree to which something is inappropriate or unacceptable. It serves to intensify the adjective "improper", indicating a complete departure from what is considered acceptable. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly improper" is an adjective phrase used to express a strong condemnation of actions violating norms. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, but it is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in News & Media, and Science sources, and is generally suited for formal contexts. When a less formal tone is desired, consider synonyms like "completely inappropriate" or "totally unacceptable". Overall, while correct, "utterly improper" should be used judiciously to maintain appropriate formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely inappropriate

Replaces "utterly" with "completely", offering a slightly less emphatic but equally strong sense of impropriety.

totally unacceptable

Substitutes both words to emphasize the unacceptability rather than the impropriety of the action.

entirely unsuitable

Focuses on the lack of suitability, suggesting something is not just wrong but also not fitting for the situation.

wholly inappropriate

Uses "wholly" instead of "utterly" for a slightly more formal tone.

absolutely wrong

Shifts the focus to the incorrectness of the action, rather than its impropriety.

patently incorrect

Emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the impropriety or wrongness.

blatantly inappropriate

Highlights the overt and obvious nature of the impropriety.

thoroughly reprehensible

Changes the focus to the moral wrongness and deserving of condemnation.

manifestly unsuitable

Implies that the unsuitability is clear and evident to everyone.

thoroughly unacceptable

Emphasizes the complete lack of acceptance, focusing on the reaction to the impropriety.

FAQs

How to use "utterly improper" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly improper" to describe conduct or actions that are completely inappropriate or unacceptable. For example: "His behavior at the dinner was "utterly improper"."

What can I say instead of "utterly improper"?

You can use alternatives like "completely inappropriate", "totally unacceptable", or "wholly inappropriate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "utterly improper" or "very improper"?

"Utterly improper" emphasizes the complete and absolute nature of the impropriety, while "very improper" indicates a high degree but not necessarily a complete state. The choice depends on the intended level of emphasis.

What's the difference between "utterly improper" and "simply improper"?

"Utterly improper" suggests that something is completely beyond the bounds of what is acceptable, while "simply improper" indicates that it is merely inappropriate without necessarily being extreme. The word "utterly" intensifies the degree of impropriety.