treated with appropriate guidance

[NewAmerica]

The phrase "appropriate guidance" is impressive. But can it be simply expressed as "proer guidance" with unreduced formality?

*************************
Despite these concerns, all four patients who were seen in Munich have had mild cases and were hospitalized primarily for public health purposes. Since hospital capacities are limited — in particular, given the concurrent peak of the influenza season in the northern hemisphere — research is needed to determine whether such patients can be treated with appropriate guidance and oversight outside the hospital.

Source: New England Journal of Medicine January 30, 2020
2019-nCoV Transmission from Asymptomatic PatientC. Rothe and Others

 

[JulianStuart]

The phrase "appropriate guidance" is impressive. But can it be simply expressed as "proer guidance" with unreduced formality?

Appropriate is unremarkable and not particularly formal here. It is not "impressive" in the slightest.

adj. particularly suitable; fitting; correct :appropriate behavior.[be + ~ + to]remarks appropriate to the occasion

 

[PaulQ]

I don't think that it is at all simpler to use "proper". "Proper" is rather vague. "Appropriate", in this context, means appropriate to the patient and the stage of their illness; to the accommodation, and to the skills and ability of the person dealing with the patient. "Appropriate" is simple and far better.

 

[NewAmerica]

Thank you.

I don't think that it is at all simpler to use "proper". "Proper" is rather vague. "Appropriate", in this context, means appropriate to the patient and the stage of their illness; to the accommodation, and to the skills and ability of the person dealing with the patient. "Appropriate" is simple and far better.

"Proper" is defined as "right, appropriate or correct." So I don't understand why you would have had so strong a negative opinion on it.

 

[JulianStuart]

"Proper" is defined as "right, appropriate or correct." So I don't understand why you would have had so strong a negative opinion on it.

There is overlap in possible meanings between the two words, but this site was set up, among other things, to help address nuances that native speakers can help with that are not included in dictionaries. Proper does not carry the connotation of "particularly suitable to the individual" as Paul explained, the way appropriate does.

 

[PaulQ]

I don't understand why you would have had so strong a negative opinion on it.

I don't have a negative view of "proper" but, like other a native speakers, I have a sense of the nuances involved between the words "proper" and "appropriate." Appropriate is appropriate; proper would not be proper.

Appropriate takes into consideration the context and circumstances. "Proper" imposes some unstated (in this case) standard.

 

[kentix]

First, I think there should be commas there.

research is needed to determine whether such patients can be treated, with appropriate guidance and oversight, outside the hospital.

They are treated outside, not treated with a substance called guidance.

"Proper" imposes some unstated (in this case) standard.

I agree. Proper has a more "ethical" nuance, where appropriate has a more practical one.

Can they be treated outside the hospital by people with potentially limited training with the help of some practical, third party advice when needed?

 

[PaulQ]

To put it another way, as a tomato is a fruit, it would be proper (technically) to put it in a fruit salad, however, it would not be appropriate as the result would be horrible.

 

[NewAmerica]

Now it is crystal clear.

Thank you.