which were proper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which were proper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was appropriate or suitable in a specific context or situation. Example: "The committee reviewed the proposals and selected those which were proper for the project requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The "requisite qualifications" have been repeatedly deliberated over and they are clearly wanting, but study that last phrase, "…to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice".

Huffington Post

Alexander Hamilton explains it best: "[Electors should be] men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to [the Presidency]." They should act "under circumstances favorable to deliberation, and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice".

Huffington Post

The point of the Electoral College is to preserve "the sense of the people," while at the same time ensuring that a president is chosen "by men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station, and acting under circumstances favorable to deliberation, and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice".

Huffington Post

Hamid Khan, Professor of Law at the University of South Carolina, quotes Hamilton as writing that Electors were to be "the most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station and acting under circumstances favorable to deliberation and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice".

Huffington Post

It was equally desirable, that the immediate election should be made by men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station, and acting under circumstances favorable to deliberation, and to a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice..

Huffington Post

Harvard professor and campaign finance reform advocate Lawrence Lessig concurred in the Washington Post, quoting a line from Alexander Hamilton about how electors were to use "a judicious combination of all the reasons and inducements which were proper to govern their choice".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Which was proper.

The New York Times - Arts

The justices insist on maintaining their independence, which is proper.

The New York Times

At such a time, the parson should not aspire to the judgements which are proper to the politician.

Independent

And at such a time, the parson should not aspire to the judgments which are proper to the politician; instead, this is a place for ordinary human compassion of the kind that is reconciling.

The Guardian

Another is subordination [Unterordnung] which is proper inclusion, without reciprocity.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which were proper", ensure that the context clearly defines the criteria for what is considered "proper". For example, specify the rules, standards, or expectations that determine appropriateness.

Common error

Avoid using "which were proper" without clearly establishing the standards for propriety. This can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation. Always provide context to define what makes something "proper" in your specific case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which were proper" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about it. As shown by Ludwig, this is used to describe the characteristics or conditions that elements fulfilled.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which were proper" acts as a relative clause to define specific elements or actions by suggesting adherence to an established standard. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's often seen in news and scientific contexts where precise and descriptive language is essential. While grammatically sound and suitable for formal communication, it's crucial to define the standards that determine what is considered "proper" within the context to maintain clarity. The use of alternatives like "that were appropriate" or "which were fitting" can provide stylistic variety while retaining the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were appropriate

Replaces "proper" with a more general synonym, focusing on suitability.

that were suitable

Similar to "appropriate", emphasizing fitness for a specific purpose.

which were fitting

Emphasizes the appropriateness in a particular context or situation.

that were apt

Suggests a natural or inherent appropriateness.

which were befitting

Implies appropriateness in terms of social norms or expectations.

that were correct

Focuses on accuracy or adherence to a standard.

which were right

A simpler, more direct synonym for "correct" or "proper".

that were in order

Indicates that something was in the correct sequence or arrangement.

which were applicable

Highlights relevance or direct connection to the matter at hand.

that were admissible

Suggests that something was allowed or acceptable, especially in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "which were proper" in a sentence?

Use "which were proper" to describe elements or actions that conformed to a certain standard or expectation in the past. For example: "The documents, "which were proper", were submitted for review."

What are some alternatives to using "which were proper"?

You can use alternatives like "that were appropriate", "that were suitable", or "which were fitting" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "that were proper" and "which were proper"?

While both can be used to introduce relative clauses, "which" is typically used for nonrestrictive clauses (adding extra information), and "that" for restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning). In practice, the distinction is often blurred, and either may be acceptable.

Can "which were proper" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "which were proper" is suitable for formal writing, especially when precision is needed to convey that certain standards or expectations were met. However, ensure the context clarifies the definition of "proper".