Improper
/ɪmˈprɒpər/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot appropriate, suitable, or correct.
/ɪmˈprɒpər/
Not conforming to accepted standards or rules.
The company was fined for improper financial practices.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a fancy party. If you burp loudly, that's *improper* because it's not the right thing to do! It means it's rude or against the rules of the party.
👶 For kids: Not right or not good. Like doing something you're not supposed to do.
More Examples
It is considered improper to speak with your mouth full.
The use of improper language is frowned upon in formal settings.
How It's Used
"The lawyer was accused of improper conduct."
"Her behavior was considered improper for the occasion."
Not grammatically correct.
/ɪmˈprɒpər/
Not in accordance with the rules of grammar.
The sentence contained several instances of improper grammar.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building with LEGOs. If you put the blocks in the wrong order, your building would look wonky, right? *Improper* grammar is like that—the words aren't in the right order or don't fit together.
👶 For kids: When the words are not in the right order, or when a sentence doesn't sound right.
More Examples
His use of improper verb tenses confused the reader.
Correcting improper word order is essential for clear communication.
How It's Used
"The student used improper grammar in their essay."
From Middle French *impropre* (improper, unsuitable), from Latin *improprĭus* (not proper, unsuitable), from *in-* (not) + *proprius* (one's own, proper).
The term 'improper' has been used in English since the 16th century, initially to indicate something that is unsuitable or not appropriate, and later extended to include grammatical errors.
Memory tip
Think of "im" as "not." Improper means not proper.