a previous proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a previous proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a proposal that was made earlier in time, often in discussions or documents related to planning or decision-making. Example: "In light of the feedback received, we have decided to revise a previous proposal to better meet the needs of our stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Puerto Rico's Government Development Bank, which is operating under a state of emergency amid dwindling liquidity, publicly released those proposals, including one presented to bondholders a week ago that officials said was more generous than a previous proposal made in April.

The Guardian

Instead, the trustees will apparently rely on an environmental impact statement for a previous proposal.

The New York Times

A previous proposal called for a 495,000-square-foot office tower.

The New York Times

A previous proposal was knocked back by shareholders because of concerns over the related performance targets.

The Guardian - Business

This study provides an additional proof to endorse a previous proposal that PLMVd pathogenicity determinants reside in L11.

Virus Research

Mr. Ranieri said a previous proposal, to import only the Alfa Spider roadster in 2005, had been abandoned.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Pacificorp's offer of 765 pence, or $12.62, a share exceeded its previous proposal by 10percentt.

The New York Times

It is an extension of our previous proposal of the origin of the first tRNA by a hairpin ligation [ 34], and suggests that, against a background of noncoded peptide synthesis utilizing aminoacylated RNAs, the advent of the anticodon loop was critical in providing a novel binding surface for the evolution of the first proto-mRNAs.

Biology Direct

They are currently rising by 1 per cent a year after the Lib Dems blocked Mr Osborne's previous proposal for a freeze.

Independent

Our approach may be considered as an accurate generalization of previous proposal methods, to the case of voltage-, ion-, and ligand-gated channels with arbitrary complexity.

Yale University

Trump called last year for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States" and now says he would temporarily block anyone from countries "compromised by terrorism" ― something the businessman said was an "expansion" of the previous proposal.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing "a previous proposal", clearly state when it was made and by whom to avoid ambiguity. If practical, provide a brief summary or link to the original document.

Common error

Avoid using "a previous proposal" without providing context. Readers need to know enough about the proposal to understand its relevance to the current discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a previous proposal" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It identifies a specific suggestion or plan that was introduced at an earlier point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a previous proposal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that references an earlier suggestion or plan. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's commonly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to clarify which specific proposal you are referring to. Consider alternatives like "an earlier suggestion" or "a prior plan" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an earlier suggestion

Replaces "proposal" with "suggestion" focusing on the idea of offering an idea for consideration.

a prior plan

Uses "plan" instead of "proposal", emphasizing the aspect of having a detailed scheme.

a former proposition

Substitutes "proposal" with "proposition", highlighting a formal statement or assertion.

a past recommendation

Employs "recommendation" instead of "proposal", focusing on the aspect of advising a course of action.

a superseded scheme

Replaces "previous" with "superseded", implying that the plan has been replaced by another.

a rejected idea

Highlights the rejection of the proposal.

an initial draft

Refers to the first version of a document or plan.

an earlier iteration

Focuses on the concept of a version or stage in a process.

a preliminary outline

Replaces proposal with the more detailed "outline", and emphasizes the preparatory stage.

a first version

Highlights that it was the first developed form.

FAQs

How can I use "a previous proposal" in a sentence?

You can use "a previous proposal" to refer to a plan or suggestion that was made at an earlier time. For example, "The committee is revisiting "a previous proposal" to reduce operational costs.".

What are some alternatives to saying "a previous proposal"?

Alternatives include "an earlier suggestion", "a prior plan", or "a former proposition", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a previous proposal" or "an earlier proposal"?

Both "a previous proposal" and "an earlier proposal" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Previous" emphasizes sequence, while "earlier" emphasizes time.

What's the difference between "a previous proposal" and "the original proposal"?

"A previous proposal" refers to one of potentially many proposals made before the current one. "The original proposal" refers specifically to the very first proposal made in a particular context.