an extravagant proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extravagant proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a proposal that is lavish, excessive, or overly elaborate, often in a context where such qualities are noteworthy or surprising. Example: "The board was taken aback by the extravagant proposal for the new office building, which included gold-plated fixtures and a rooftop garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The first, an extravagant proposal for a new New Orleans National Jazz Center and park by Morphosis, is the most significant work of architecture proposed in the city since the Superdome.

The New York Times - Arts

He had just celebrated his forty-fifth birthday and in its wake made an extravagant proposal: What if he and Jackie packed it all in to live on a boat and sail around the world or at least up and down the eastern seaboard for a year or two?

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Furthermore, the gap between the most austere and the most extravagant proposals that were on the table in Brussels was a lot smaller than this.

The Economist

Step 2: Propose in an extravagant way.

Huffington Post

Hollande's proposal to allow noncitizens to vote in local elections, he added, would only add to an "extravagant rise in communal tensions" caused by the influx of Muslim residents.

The Washington Post

"I do not lead an extravagant lifestyle.

Independent

The cauldron brought an extravagant £70,850.

The New York Times - Arts

It's an extravagant claim.

The New York Times

"He's an extravagant player, obviously.

The Guardian - Sport

We reject such an extravagant extension of the Constitution.

Cornell University

Posner calls this "an extravagant interpretation".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extravagant proposal" when you want to emphasize the lavish or excessive nature of a suggested plan or idea. It suggests a high degree of ambition and resources involved.

Common error

Avoid using "an extravagant proposal" when a simpler, more practical suggestion is being made. 'Extravagant' implies a significant investment or departure from the norm, so ensure it aligns with the actual scope of the proposal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extravagant proposal" functions as a noun phrase, where "extravagant" modifies the noun "proposal". The adjective "extravagant" serves to describe the proposal as being lavish or excessive. Ludwig examples illustrate it being used to characterize ambitious or costly suggestions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extravagant proposal" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a plan or suggestion marked by its lavishness, excess, or high cost. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, primarily News & Media and Academia. When writing, use it to highlight the ambition or resources involved in a proposed idea. Consider alternatives like "a lavish proposition" or "an excessive plan" to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lavish proposition

Replaces "proposal" with "proposition" and "extravagant" with "lavish", emphasizing the richness and abundance of the suggestion.

an excessive plan

Substitutes "proposal" with "plan" and "extravagant" with "excessive", highlighting the over-the-top nature of the idea.

an over-the-top suggestion

Replaces "proposal" with "suggestion" and uses the idiomatic expression "over-the-top" to convey the extreme nature of the idea.

a grandiose scheme

Replaces "proposal" with "scheme" and "extravagant" with "grandiose", suggesting an ambitious and perhaps unrealistic plan.

a deluxe offer

Replaces "proposal" with "offer" and "extravagant" with "deluxe", emphasizing the luxurious and high-end quality of the suggestion.

a premium proposition

Replaces "proposal" with "proposition" and "extravagant" with "premium", highlighting the high value and superior quality of the suggestion.

an ambitious project

Substitutes "proposal" with "project" and "extravagant" with "ambitious", focusing on the grand scale and challenging nature of the plan.

a bold suggestion

Replaces "extravagant" with "bold", focusing on the daring or unconventional nature of the suggestion.

an elaborate design

Replaces "proposal" with "design" and "extravagant" with "elaborate", highlighting the intricate and detailed nature of the plan.

a fancy idea

Replaces "proposal" with "idea" and "extravagant" with "fancy", suggesting a sophisticated and perhaps impractical suggestion.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The architect presented "an extravagant proposal" for the new museum, featuring a rotating dome and a vast underground gallery."

What are some alternatives to "an extravagant proposal"?

Consider using phrases like "a lavish plan", "an over-the-top idea", or "a grandiose scheme" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "an extravagant proposal" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone of the overall communication. However, it tends to be used more often in news articles and academic papers than in casual conversations.

What makes a proposal "extravagant"?

A proposal is considered "extravagant" when it involves a significant amount of resources, expense, or ambition, often exceeding what is typically expected or necessary. It suggests a certain degree of excess or luxury.