Collocations for "proper"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "proper" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
proper
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- [the, a] proper way to [do, make, fix]
- the proper use of [cleaning products, semicolons, English]
- am I in the proper place?
- [provide, fill out] the proper [paperwork, application, parts]
- the proper treatment of [animals, workers, children]
- (put) everything (back) in its proper place
- (not) a good example of proper behavior
- is a proper [name, noun]
- a proper functioning [machine, car]
- give him a proper [goodbye, celebration, sendoff]
- UK: give it a proper going-over
- given the proper credit (that he deserves)
- need a proper balance [of, between]
- can I see a proper identification?
- following the proper procedures
- maintain (the) proper [distance, temperature]
- [give, get] a proper [answer, account]
- a proper time to [plant, go, ask]
- observe the proper [rites, rules of conduct, dress code]
- proper [nutrition, diet]
- the [features, characteristics] proper to
- is proper to [say, give, make]
- is always so proper and polite
- is so prim and proper
- slang, UK: he's proper crazy
- it [is, was] not (considered) proper to
'proper' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
avoid
- prevent
- access
- assessment
- channel
- character
- education
- form
- language
- beach
- car
- cooking
- eye
- hair
- maintenance
- fit
- good
- bicycle
- bowel
- funeral
- garment
- investment
- nail
- playground
- squat
- verb
- certification
- definition
- disposal
- documentation
- madam
- moron
- removal
- administration
- AIDS
- allocation
- apology
- attire
- authorization
- funding
- gentleman
- grammar
- handling
- installation
- introduction
- noun
- padding
- paperwork
- placement
- planning