an ambitious proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a proposal that is bold, innovative, or seeks to achieve significant goals. Example: "The committee was impressed by the ambitious proposal to revamp the entire community park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is an ambitious proposal, sure to ignite controversy.

The New York Times - Science

It was an ambitious proposal, all that music, and he brought it home before intermission.

The New York Times - Arts

Now the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly for an ambitious proposal to prevent overfishing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Greens call on the Commission to present an ambitious proposal.

The Guardian - Business

Last month, DNV upped the ante by publishing an ambitious proposal for a giant L.N.G.-fueled crude oil tanker.

The New York Times

It's an ambitious proposal from Canyon, a German company known for high-spec bikes offered at a relatively accessible price.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In England in 1857, an ambitious proposal was made to create an encyclopedic concordance of English words.

The New York Times - Books

But the Union may not agree to such an ambitious proposal, which might affect fuel bills at a time when many member states are enduring harsh austerity measures.

The New York Times

It is the centerpiece of an ambitious proposal that aims to overhaul political sacred cows like Social Security and Medicare while slashing the federal budget.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm told a more ambitious proposal for a concerted Arab Spring initiative was debated within the Obama administration in 2012 but was rejected because it might have been a distraction from President Obama's all-about-the-middle-class re-election campaign.

The New York Times

"The focus then should be that governments come up with an equally ambitious proposal," he said, though he said the legislation still could be watered down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide context when referring to "an ambitious proposal". Explain what makes the proposal ambitious—is it the budget, the timeline, the scope, or the goals? Specificity will strengthen your writing and avoid vague praise.

Common error

Avoid labeling a plan as "an ambitious proposal" if it lacks genuine innovation, substantial risk, or far-reaching goals. Ensure that the plan warrants such a descriptor to maintain credibility and avoid appearing hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious proposal" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a plan or suggestion characterized by its high goals, significant effort required, and potential for transformative results. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambitious proposal" is a frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, to describe a plan or idea characterized by its boldness, innovation, and potential for significant impact. It is deemed grammatically correct and finds its primary usage in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific contexts. The phrase effectively conveys the scope and aspirations of a project or plan, as evidenced by its widespread presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While the term is versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the plan genuinely warrants the description to maintain credibility. Ludwig AI's analysis underscores the importance of using precise language to accurately convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bold plan

Replaces 'ambitious' with 'bold', emphasizing the daring nature of the plan.

an audacious scheme

Substitutes 'ambitious' with 'audacious' and 'proposal' with 'scheme', highlighting the risk-taking aspect.

a far-reaching initiative

Replaces 'ambitious proposal' with a description focusing on the broad impact of the plan.

a challenging project

Focuses on the difficulty inherent in the 'ambitious proposal'.

an innovative approach

Highlights the new and inventive nature of the 'ambitious proposal'.

a grand design

Replaces the term 'proposal' with a more architectural term to express scale and aspiration.

a visionary plan

Emphasizes the forward-thinking and imaginative aspect of the proposal.

a groundbreaking concept

Highlights the originality and potential impact of the proposal.

a transformative agenda

Replaces 'proposal' with 'agenda', focusing on the potential for significant change.

a high-stakes endeavor

Emphasizes the risk and potential reward associated with the 'ambitious proposal'.

FAQs

How can I use "an ambitious proposal" in a sentence?

You can use "an ambitious proposal" to describe a plan or suggestion that is bold, innovative, and aims to achieve significant goals. For example, "The city council is considering "an ambitious proposal" to build a new transit system".

What are some alternatives to saying "an ambitious proposal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a bold plan", "a far-reaching initiative", or "a challenging project". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the proposal, such as its daring nature or the difficulties involved.

Is it better to say "an ambitious proposal" or "a realistic proposal"?

The choice between ""an ambitious proposal"" and "a realistic proposal" depends on the nature of the plan you are describing. Use ""an ambitious proposal"" when the plan is bold and innovative, and "a realistic proposal" when the plan is practical and achievable.

What makes a proposal "ambitious"?

A proposal is considered "ambitious" when it sets high goals, requires significant effort and resources, and often involves a degree of risk. It typically goes beyond conventional approaches and seeks transformative results.