a serious proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a suggestion or plan that is intended to be taken seriously and is often formal in nature. Example: "The committee reviewed a serious proposal for improving the community park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This may be a serious proposal, by which I mean that Ryan does not propose it in jest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is it a serious proposal?

The New York Times - Science

This is a serious proposal.

The Guardian

That's not a serious proposal.

The New Yorker

"We do not consider this to be a serious proposal".

The New York Times

THE suggestion may have been a warning shot rather than a serious proposal.

The Economist

But there was at least relief that a serious proposal was emerging from Athens.

Independent

If it this is a serious proposal then we should act accordingly.

The Guardian

For his part, Mr. Singer maintains that Charas has not made a "serious" proposal.

The New York Times

"I don't think this is going to be taken as a serious proposal," Senator Spano said.

The New York Times

He doesn't think a serious proposal would meet with much resistance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen a serious proposal, anticipate potential objections and address them proactively. This demonstrates thoroughness and commitment to the plan's success.

Common error

Avoid labeling a suggestion as "a serious proposal" if it lacks depth, feasibility, or supporting evidence. This can undermine your credibility and make the proposal seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious proposal" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used, denoting a suggestion or plan that is intended to be considered carefully and thoughtfully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

7%

EU Parlament

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious proposal" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a plan or suggestion meant to be carefully considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is found frequently in news, business, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the proposal is well-supported and clearly articulated to underscore its credibility. While alternatives like "a well-considered plan" or "a credible offer" exist, "a serious proposal" remains a strong and direct way to convey the importance of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-considered plan

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and deliberation behind the suggestion.

a credible offer

Emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the proposition.

a feasible suggestion

Highlights the practicality and possibility of implementing the idea.

a viable option

Stresses that the suggestion is workable and capable of succeeding.

a pragmatic approach

Highlights the practicality and results-oriented aspect of the proposal.

a substantive recommendation

Focuses on the significant and meaningful nature of the advice.

a genuine proposition

Highlights the sincerity and authenticity of the offer.

a meaningful suggestion

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the idea being put forward.

a concrete plan

Emphasizes that the proposal is detailed, specific and not vague or abstract.

a realistic scheme

Highlights the practicality and achievability of the proposed plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious proposal" to describe a plan or suggestion that is well-thought-out and intended to be taken seriously. For example, "The committee is considering "a serious proposal" to reduce carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to "a serious proposal"?

Alternatives include "a well-considered plan", "a credible offer", or "a feasible suggestion". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a proposal "serious"?

A proposal is considered "serious" when it is thoroughly researched, well-articulated, backed by evidence, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to addressing a particular issue or need.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a serious proposal"?

No, it's important to use the phrase judiciously. Ensure that the plan or suggestion genuinely warrants such a description, possessing the necessary substance, feasibility, and support to be taken seriously.