I propose you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I propose you" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when someone intends to suggest or recommend something to another person. Example: "I propose you consider taking a different approach to the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

So I propose you take a journey to the best shape of your life.

Huffington Post

I propose you replace Jamie Lee Curtis Taete with myself as the weekly contributor for this feature.

Vice

If Republicans keep obsessively pursuing their demons as Javert obsessively pursued Valjean, they will end up politically as he did, which is why I propose you read the book and enjoy the film.

Huffington Post

(Nice and economical, see?) From there I propose you serve a four-year term as king, at the conclusion of which America will, hopefully, once again be ready to make decisions for itself that don't spell disaster for the entire world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"If we had gotten married when I proposed, you wouldn't be suffering and crying today," he sings.

The New Yorker

I must propose you for the Masters' club first old friend says Pogner.

The Guardian - Music

"I'd like to propose you give us 90 days to finish our analysis," Mr. Stillman said to Judge Gardephe, according to Bloomberg News.

The New York Times

"In the scheme that I'm proposing, you have an exponential expansion but it's not in our aeon - I use the term to describe [the period] from our Big Bang until the remote future.

BBC

Today, I propose that you do a fun and convenient exercise to help direct you towards that destination.

Huffington Post

If you do tune in to the debate, or as you learn about the candidates in the coming months, I propose that you use these standards for considering how worthwhile each candidate would be as the next U.S. President.

Huffington Post

I propose that you allow this joint resolution to pass, reopening the government," Mr. Reid wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "I propose you". Instead, use grammatically correct alternatives such as "I suggest you", "I recommend that you", or "My proposal is that you" to clearly convey your suggestion or recommendation.

Common error

A common mistake is using "propose" as a direct transitive verb when suggesting an action to someone. "Propose" typically introduces a plan or idea, not a person. Instead of saying "I propose you do X", correctly structure the sentence as "I suggest you do X" or "I propose that you do X".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I propose you" is an incorrect attempt to directly suggest something to someone. It tries to use "propose" as a transitive verb taking a person as a direct object, which is grammatically wrong. According to Ludwig, the phrase is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I propose you" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a misuse of the verb "propose", which should introduce an idea or plan rather than directly address a person. For making suggestions, alternatives like "I suggest you", "I recommend that you", or "My proposal is that you" are more appropriate and grammatically sound. While the intent to offer a suggestion is clear, using correct grammar ensures clarity and credibility in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I suggest you

Replaces "propose" with "suggest", a more common and grammatically correct verb for making recommendations.

I'd suggest you

A contracted form of "I would suggest", making it slightly more informal.

I recommend that you

Uses "recommend" followed by a "that" clause, providing a formal and grammatically sound alternative.

I advise you to

Employs "advise" with an infinitive, offering a direct and clear recommendation.

My proposal is that you

Restructures the sentence to use "proposal" as a noun, making the sentence grammatically correct.

I put it to you that

Offers a formal and persuasive way to introduce a suggestion or idea.

I submit that you

Similar to "I put it to you that", but slightly more formal and assertive.

I posit that you

Introduces a suggestion as a hypothesis or starting point for discussion.

I offer you the suggestion that

A more verbose but grammatically sound way of offering a suggestion.

I would like to propose to you

Adds "would like" for politeness and includes "to you" for directness, though still requiring a clause to follow.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "propose" when making a suggestion?

When making a suggestion, it's better to use alternatives like "I suggest you", "I recommend that you", or "My proposal is that you" instead of "I propose you".

What can I say instead of "I propose you" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "I recommend that you" or "I submit that you" instead of "I propose you", which is not grammatically correct.

Is "I propose you" grammatically correct?

No, "I propose you" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The verb "propose" usually introduces a plan, idea, or suggestion, and not a direct recipient of the proposal. Correct alternatives include "I suggest you" or "I propose that you".

What's the difference between "I propose that you" and "I suggest that you"?

"I propose that you" and "I suggest that you" are both grammatically correct, but "propose" is often used for more formal or significant suggestions, while "suggest" is more general and common. However, "I propose you" is incorrect; you must include "that".