improper

Everyday

1. Not suitable or not polite for the situation. tree →
2. Not correct or not following the rules. tree →
3. In maths: «improper fraction» — a fraction whose top number is equal to or bigger than the bottom number, like 7/4. tree →

In the lessons

In maths it is a key term: improper fractions are greater than or equal to 1 and can be changed to mixed numbers (7/4 = 1 3/4). In everyday life and safety: improper use of tools can cause accidents. In stories: improper behaviour, an improper remark.

Examples

• Turn the improper fraction 9/4 into a mixed number. tree →
• 5/5 is an improper fraction equal to 1. tree →
• Improper use of the ladder caused the fall. tree →
• It is improper to shout in the library. tree →
• The bin was full of improper waste. tree →
• He made an improper comment and had to apologise. tree →
• "'I think it highly improper,' said the tea-kettle, who was kitchen singer, and half-brother to the tea-urn, 'that a rich foreign bird should be listened to here. tree →

Note

Opposite: proper. Adverb: improperly. Maths: in an improper fraction the numerator is bigger than or equal to the denominator; its value is 1 or more. 11/3 = 3 2/3. A proper fraction is less than 1.