be proper

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s a great piece of noise music, but it’s free jazz, and it’s not even following the structures of what you know to be proper jazz behavior.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

In a statement, Hybu Cig Cymru said it "must advise that it would not be proper for any HR matters to be discussed in public on the basis of anonymous sources".

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2024

On Monday, Sarah Dines, a Home Office minister, described the barge as “basic but proper” and said that it would send “a forceful message that there will be proper accommodation but not luxurious.”

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2023

"There has to be justice for this. There has to be justice in The Hague and there has to be proper reparation in the rebuilding of Ukraine," he said.

From Reuters • Feb. 16, 2023

Homesickness fell upon them when Pierrot said he was hungry—dinner was hours away, and it would not be proper to go down now and ask for food.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan