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Thread: Properly vs. Correctly

  1. #1
    thedaffodils's Avatar
    thedaffodils is offline Key Member
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    Default Properly vs. Correctly

    As to the meetings with Mike both at the Hotel this Saturday, and at our factory on August 31, Tthey are fine. I am flexible about the timing slots and places for the upcoming meetings. Could you please let me know Mike's last name? I hope to address him properly correctly during our very first meeting.
    This is the snippet of an email of mine. A forum member and teacher named Fivejedjon switched my word of properly to correctly.

    Cambridge Dictionaries Online defines properly as correctly. I wonder what the difference of usage between properly and correctly is. And why did Fivejedjon change my word?

    Here's the URL link about the definition of properly.

    Definition of properly adverb (CORRECTLY) from Cambridge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus

    Thank you!

  2. #2
    SoothingDave is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: Properly vs. Correctly

    To properly address someone has more to do with etiquette than with having their name correct.

    For example, do you call the bishop "Your eminence" or "Your excellency." What do you call the Queen or the President?
    thedaffodils, emsr2d2, 5jj and 1 others like this.

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    Threadstarter / Original Poster

    Default Re: Properly vs. Correctly

    Thank you both very much for your helpful replies.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Properly vs. Correctly

    You could possibly add to that dictionary definition: "But 'properly' does not mean 'correctly' in contexts that imply the meaning 'in a proper fashion' or 'with propriety'."

    b
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  5. #5
    thedaffodils's Avatar
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    Threadstarter / Original Poster

    Default Re: Properly vs. Correctly

    Thank you for your reply, BobK.

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