Appropriate: suitability in context

The idea

Use appropriate before a noun or after be: an appropriate time; the format is appropriate. Use appropriate for to name a purpose or audience.

Examples

• Is this language appropriate for the audience?
• Choose an appropriate time to call.
• It is appropriate to ask first.
• The response was not appropriate for the situation.
• We chose a more appropriate tone for the audience.
• The format is appropriate for a short report.

Watch out

What is appropriate depends on context and audience; the word does not by itself explain why a choice is suitable.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the adjective before the noun time. Choose an ___ time to call. (appropriate / appropriately)

   Show answer or example answer

   appropriate

   Appropriate describes the time before the noun.

2. Choose the preposition introducing the audience. Is this language appropriate ___ the audience? (for / under)

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   for

   For introduces the audience being considered.

3. Choose the infinitive for the action. It is appropriate ___ first. (to ask / asks)

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   to ask

   To ask names the action described as appropriate.

Use it today

Describe an appropriate time to call and explain why a tone suits an audience.