Propose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Propose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting an idea, plan, or course of action to someone. Example: "I would like to propose a new strategy for our marketing campaign that could increase our outreach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is why we will propose a 'double lock', meaning that exit from the European Union would only be possible if all UK nations agreed.

The Guardian

"We will propose a 'double majority' rule – meaning that unless England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each vote to leave the EU, as well as the UK as a whole, Britain would remain a member state".

The Guardian

Salmond could choose a referendum date, introduce votes for 16- and 17-year-olds, and propose the question.

The Guardian

We don't yet know what the rest of Europe is going to propose.

The Guardian

A spokesman for Almunia told the Guardian that after discussions with the UK authorities, he would "propose to the college of commissioners to take a positive decision and in principle the decision should be taken during this mandate of the commission in October".

The Guardian

The government will today propose the biggest overhaul of child maintenance for a decade, arguing that the current system encourages conflict between parents.

The Guardian

We'll propose a double majority meaning that exit from the EU would only be possible if all four nations agreed to that, something that would ensure that Scotland couldn't be forced out of the EU against our will".

The Guardian

The expansion of Russian state media and its increasingly anti-Western content has prompted European Union lawmakers to propose creating a joint Russian-language television channel to provide an alternative source of information.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.49pm BST14:49 Osborne says it is up to Alex Salmond to propose another option.

The Guardian

Q: If a future chancellor were to propose a currency union, would there have to be a referendum?

The Guardian

Campbell said he expected the party's general election manifesto for 2015 would propose a new federal structure for the UK, as he unveiled a detailed plan to give the Scottish parliament far greater financial and political freedoms within the UK, as the Scottish Lib Dems' alternative to full independence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business and academic contexts, use "propose" to introduce new strategies, research directions, or policy changes to lend a formal and professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "propose" in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "suggest" or "offer" are more appropriate. Overuse in informal settings can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propose" is as a transitive verb, often used to introduce a plan, idea, or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the act of putting something forward for consideration. Examples from Ludwig show it frequently introducing policy changes, initiatives, or plans within news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "propose" is a versatile word predominantly used to suggest a plan or idea, or to ask someone to marry you. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While applicable in formal settings, its neutral register allows usage across many situations. When writing, be mindful of over-formality in casual conversations, opting for alternatives like "suggest". The numerous examples on Ludwig highlight its prevalence and proper application in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suggest

A more general term for putting forward an idea for consideration.

Recommend

Implies endorsement of the suggested course of action.

Put forward

Emphasizes the act of presenting an idea or plan.

Submit

Suggests a formal presentation of a proposal.

Offer

Implies a willingness to provide something for consideration.

Advance

Highlights the progression or introduction of a new idea.

Table

Presents an idea formally for discussion.

Nominate

Suggests someone for a position or award.

Introduce

Formally presents an idea or concept for the first time.

Set forth

To state, recite, or enumerate in a formal manner.

FAQs

How can I use "propose" in a sentence?

You can use "propose" to suggest a plan or idea. For example, "I "propose that we revisit the budget"." It can also mean to ask someone to marry you.

What are some alternatives to using "propose"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "propose" include "suggest", "recommend", "offer", or "put forward".

When is it appropriate to use "propose" instead of "suggest"?

"Propose" is often used in more formal settings or when presenting a detailed plan or idea, whereas "suggest" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "propose" be used as a noun?

While "propose" is primarily a verb, the noun form is "proposal", which refers to the plan or idea being put forward.