I propose we

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I propose we" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting an idea or course of action to a group or individual. Example: "I propose we hold a meeting next week to discuss the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I propose we pause and take aim before we fire".

The New York Times

I propose we call it 'the high line'.

The Guardian - Sport

"I propose we all dive, all of you".

The New Yorker

So I propose we display our good humor and use: "New Jersey: Beyond Words".

The New York Times

"I propose we fight fire with fire," he said this week.

The Economist

"So if you have no objections, I propose we meet and talk about this," he said.

The New York Times

Here is what I did twice this weekend and what I propose we all do.

The New York Times

I propose we meet once a year every year until one of us can't or won't".

The New Yorker

Somewhere in Plato we read: 'Landscapes and trees have nothing to teach me, but the people of a city most certainly do.' Citizens, I propose we learn from ours, I propose we undertake the political and moral reconstruction of Bogotá.

The Guardian - Books

And I propose we make a major investment in conservation by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I proposed we should give the Museum something in return".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When following "I propose we", ensure the verb is in the base form (e.g., "I propose we discuss" not "I propose we to discuss").

Common error

Avoid using "I propose we" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "Let's" or "How about we" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I propose we" functions as a performative utterance, specifically a suggestion or a motion. It introduces a course of action for consideration by a group. Ludwig confirms that it serves to present an idea for discussion and potential adoption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I propose we" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing a suggestion or recommendation, particularly in professional and semi-formal settings. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's important to consider the context and choose appropriate alternatives, such as "I suggest we" or "let's", for different levels of formality. The phrase sees common usage across news, business, and general contexts, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I suggest we

A more direct and slightly less formal way to offer a suggestion.

My suggestion is that we

Focuses on the suggestion aspect, slightly more indirect.

I recommend we

Indicates a stronger endorsement of the proposed action.

It is my proposal that we

A more formal and emphatic way to state a proposal.

How about we

A more tentative way to suggest something, inviting more discussion.

Why don't we

Similar to "How about we", but slightly more direct.

Let's

A very informal and concise way to propose an action.

I submit that we

A formal and somewhat assertive way of presenting a proposal.

I put forward the idea that we

Emphasizes the act of introducing a new concept or plan.

I move that we

Often used in formal meeting settings to introduce a motion.

FAQs

How can I use "I propose we" in a sentence?

Use "I propose we" to introduce a suggestion or recommendation. For example, "I propose we allocate more resources to this project" or "I propose we reconsider our strategy".

What are some alternatives to "I propose we"?

You can use alternatives such as "I suggest we", "let's", or "how about we" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I propose that we" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I propose that we" is grammatically correct and essentially equivalent to "I propose we". The "that" is optional but does not change the meaning.

What is the difference between "I propose we" and "I suggest we"?

While both phrases offer a suggestion, "I propose we" tends to be slightly more formal and is often used in more structured settings. "I suggest we" is generally more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.