entertain a proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entertain a proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the consideration or acceptance of an idea or suggestion, typically in a formal or business context. Example: "The board will meet next week to entertain a proposal for the new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Federal Communications Commission next month will entertain a proposal to allow cellphone use on airplanes once they have reached the chatty altitude of 10,000 feet.

The Washington Post

My landlords, a kindly older couple who live on the bottom two floors and take meticulous care of the five-story building they bought in the 1960s, seemed willing to entertain a proposal.

The New York Times

In 2006, when Steel Partners, an American fund, took out a stake in the noodle maker Myojo Foods, the company flatly refused to entertain a proposal for a management buyout, accusing the fund of trying to sabotage the company's future for short-term gain.

The New York Times

Democrats are almost certainly unwilling to entertain a proposal in which the word "uninsured" appears exactly zero times.

Forbes

It also refused to entertain a proposal for a full re-occupation of the Gaza Strip.

Huffington Post

Nor is there any sign that the leadership of the General Assembly is willing to seriously entertain a proposal to significantly increase state revenues.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some years ago the Dolans entertained a proposal to move, along with Amtrak, into the Farley building, a plan that collapsed but that could be intelligently revived.

The New York Times - Arts

Several years ago the Garden entertained a proposal by developers to vacate its site and move to the back of the post office.

The New York Times - Arts

Even while senators have talked of stripping away much of the Fed's bank supervision powers, they have simultaneously entertained a proposal to house a new consumer financial protection agency under the aegis of the central bank.

The New York Times

Town-planning council members in August entertained a proposal to build a 56-unit senior living complex, taking advantage of state zoning laws that allow increased housing density for the elderly.

Los Angeles Times

The actor -- who's been in a relationship with Halston Sage of Nickeloden's "How to Rock" for two years -- even entertained a proposal from sisters Sarah and Tasha, who asked him, "Can you marry me?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, "entertain a proposal" can be a polite way to acknowledge receipt and indicate future deliberation, even if the likelihood of acceptance is low.

Common error

Don't confuse "entertain" in this context with providing amusement. "Entertain a proposal" means to consider it, not to enjoy it. Using it in the wrong context can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entertain a proposal" functions as a verb phrase, where "entertain" acts as a transitive verb taking "a proposal" as its direct object. It signifies the act of considering or being open to an idea or suggestion, often in a formal context. Ludwig examples confirm its use in news, business and academia.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entertain a proposal" is grammatically correct and signifies the act of considering or being open to an idea. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It's most commonly used in news, business, and formal settings, denoting a willingness to engage with a suggestion, though not necessarily an intent to accept it. Related phrases include "consider a proposition" and "review a suggestion". When using this phrase, ensure the context conveys genuine consideration, not mere amusement. Avoid confusing it with simply enjoying something. Given its structure and formal tone, the phrase is best suited for professional or neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider a proposition

Replaces "entertain" with "consider", focusing on the act of thinking about the proposal.

review a suggestion

Emphasizes the act of examining the suggestion carefully.

assess an offer

Highlights the evaluation of the offer's merits.

examine a plan

Focuses on scrutinizing the details of the plan.

evaluate a recommendation

Stresses the judgment of the recommendation's value.

contemplate a suggestion

Indicates a thoughtful consideration of the suggestion.

deliberate on a motion

Implies a formal discussion and consideration of the motion.

hear a submission

Focuses on the act of listening to the submitted proposal.

take into consideration an idea

Expresses a broader sense of including the idea in one's thinking.

give thought to an application

Highlights the careful attention given to the application.

FAQs

What does it mean to "entertain a proposal"?

To "entertain a proposal" means to consider it, to be willing to think about it and discuss it, even if you don't necessarily agree with it or intend to accept it. It suggests an openness to considering the idea.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "entertain a proposal"?

It is appropriate in formal settings, business negotiations, and academic discussions where you want to show a willingness to consider new ideas, even if you have reservations. It's often used when you want to be polite and respectful.

What are some alternatives to "entertain a proposal"?

Alternatives include "consider a proposition", "review a suggestion", or "assess an offer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "entertain a proposal" the same as "accept a proposal"?

No, "entertain a proposal" is not the same as "accept a proposal". To entertain a proposal means to consider it, while to accept a proposal means to agree with it and commit to it.