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

For filler and the "myriad of other products that are out there", Dr Hoo thinks there should be "proper training".

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2025

“Since I do not believe my impartiality can reasonably be questioned, I do not think it would be proper for me to recuse,” he wrote.

From Seattle Times • May 29, 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

Vic thought it too fancy a word to be proper, and soon had gotten the entire table laughing and saying “enjoyable” in mocking tones until Reynie had finally excused himself without dessert and retreated here.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart