What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
appropriate
Example
It is important to wear appropriate clothing for a job interview. [appropriate: adjective]
Example
She appropriately thanked everyone for their help. [appropriately: adverb]
proper
Example
Please use the proper tools for this task. [proper: adjective]
Example
He always speaks in a proper manner. [proper: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Appropriate is more commonly used than proper in everyday language. Appropriate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proper is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between appropriate and proper?
While appropriate can be used in both formal and informal contexts, proper is generally considered more formal. Proper is often associated with correctness and adherence to established rules or standards, making it more suitable for formal situations.
