APPROPRIATE


Meaning of APPROPRIATE in English

adjective

1

BAD : The third paragraph of the essay is not appropriate.

GOOD : The third paragraph of the essay is not relevant.

BAD : Will you please send me all the appropriate information?

GOOD : Will you please send me all the relevant information?

◆◆◆

appropriate = suitable in a particular situation: 'Once we know more about the cause of the problem, we can take appropriate action.' 'To offer them more money at this stage would not be appropriate.'

relevant = having a clear connection with what you are doing or talking about: 'I'll try to answer any questions, as long as they are relevant.' 'You cannot enter the country unless you have obtained all the relevant documents.'

2

BAD : Some bottles are not appropriate for recycling.

GOOD : Some bottles are not suitable for recycling.

BAD : She is clearly the most appropriate person for the job.

GOOD : She is clearly the most suitable person for the job.

◆◆◆

Appropriate and suitable have similar meanings and are sometimes interchangeable: 'We're still waiting for a suitable/an appropriate moment to break the news to them.'

When you mean 'having the necessary qualities, skills etc, the usual word is suitable : 'The hotel isn't suitable for families with children.'

Longman Common Errors English vocabulary.      Английский словарь распространенных ошибок Longman.