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Prepositions after adjectives

Improper: which preposition follows it?

Improper commonly appears with for or to. Other prepositions may introduce topics, contexts, or separate details.

Quick answer

Main patterns with improper

Use improper for when something is unsuitable, and improper to + verb for actions that are socially or morally wrong. Improper about, in, and on usually introduce separate contexts or topics.

That language is improper for children.
It would be improper to comment now.
There was nothing improper about the meeting.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
improper for + person/purpose

Showing something is unsuitable

Use for with people, occasions, or purposes.

These jokes are improper for the classroom.
The outfit was improper for a formal event.
2
improper to + verb

Describing unacceptable actions

Use to before a verb for behaviour considered wrong or unsuitable.

It is improper to interrupt the speaker.
It seemed improper to ask about salaries.
3
improper about + noun

Commenting on a topic or behaviour

About introduces the topic being judged.

There was nothing improper about his question.
She felt something was improper about the arrangement.
4
improper in + context

Referring to behaviour within a situation

Use in before situations, conduct, or procedures.

The report found improper in several transactions.
Such remarks are improper in professional settings.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
improper for
The film is improper for young viewers.
Shows something unsuitable for people or situations.
improper to
It is improper to discuss private matters here.
Describes unacceptable actions.
improper about
There was nothing improper about the conversation.
About introduces the topic being judged.
improper in
The audit discovered improper conduct in the department.
In introduces a context or location.
improper on
There was improper language on the broadcast.
On introduces a medium or platform, not a fixed adjective pattern.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for before a verb

Use to before a verb after improper.

✕ It is improper for complain publicly. ✓ It is improper to complain publicly.

Confusing improper for and improper to

For introduces people or purposes; to introduces actions.

✕ The comment was improper to children. ✓ The comment was improper for children.

Using on as the main adjective pattern

On usually refers to a platform or surface, not the adjective relationship.

✕ His behaviour was improper on the staff. ✓ His behaviour was improper toward the staff.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. It would be improper ___ reveal the details now.
2. That content is improper ___ younger audiences.
3. There was nothing improper ___ her request.

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Frequently asked questions

Can improper be followed by to?

Yes. Improper to + verb is common for unacceptable actions.

What does improper for mean?

It means unsuitable or inappropriate for a person, place, or purpose.

Is improper on correct?

Only when on introduces a separate idea such as a platform or medium, not as the main adjective pattern.

ideal-for-in-as-at, from "identical to" or "identical with"? identifiable by, as, with, in or to? "idle for" or "idle in"? ignorant of, about, to, in or on? "illegal in" or "illegal for"? illustrative of, in, rather or for? ill with, in, for, at or of? "immune to" or "immune from"? "impatient with" or "impatient for"? "imperative for" or "imperative to"? impervious to, from or in?

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