Common Mistakes : Appropriate

 adjective

:N1

.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

:N2

.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