Improper
Improper adjective - Not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation.
Usage example: an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing
Nearby Word: improperly
Proper
Proper adjective - Following the established traditions of refined society and good taste.
Usage example: the formal ball called for proper attire—tuxedos and full-length gowns only
Both words in one sentence
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Nearly every time a gun is mentioned, we hear about whether the character is using proper or improper gun handling techniques.
Source: Literature / Reamde -
Many of the POV characters have gun handling experience, so whenever someone handles a gun in the story, which is often, we hear about whether they're using proper or improper gun safety.
Source: Artistic License Gun Safety - Chizuru has differing versions of her main attacks, which can serve very well for proper/improper reactions via sending out afterimages of herself (sadly, due to the nature of her moves she can easily have her copies get hit and take damage regardless).
Source: Difficult but Awesome
Cite this Source
Proper and Improper. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/improper/proper
Improper & Proper. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/improper/proper>.
Proper or Improper. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/improper/proper.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "improper" and "proper" have occurred on timeline