failed to propose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to propose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone did not make a suggestion or offer an idea, typically in a formal or professional context. Example: "The committee failed to propose a new plan for the upcoming project during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

She has failed to propose any solutions of her own.

The Guardian

Officials point out that opponents of the dams have failed to propose a feasible alternative.

The Economist

It is also not true that Mr. Obama has failed to propose a solution to the pending cuts.

The New York Times

Of course, there was a fight brewing in the Rovers as the unstoppable Tracy Barlow finally got her comeuppance when Robert failed to propose.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So far Harvey Pitt, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, has failed to propose any meaningful reform in the lax rules that made Enron possible.

The New York Times

In this view, the peril is especially great for Republicans, because, as Jonathan Cohn recently pointed out, the G.O.P. has failed to propose any kind of plan to address the loss of insurance for so many millions of people.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

His books, sprawling and arcane, would not, could not exist without the walking, which means that to visit him and then fail to propose a walk would be wilfully perverse, like meeting Lucian Freud and turning down the chance to see his studio.

The Guardian - Books

This restriction on relation learning produces highly precise suggestions, but fails to propose yet unseen relations.

Brain Informatics

The information obtained on index-identified SWNT and DWNT allows us to propose Raman criteria, which help identifying CNT when the ED fails to propose a single assignment.

Carbon

Labor representatives said the transit agency had failed to offer an improved schedule, proposing instead to increase the number of lower-paid and part-time drivers.

The New York Times

Mastin said he approved of Gove's aims in revamping the curriculum, but the proposed version failed to offer children the broad and balanced education that had been promised.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to propose", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation where a suggestion or proposal was expected or needed. This phrase is suitable for formal reports, analyses, or critical evaluations.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to propose" in casual conversation. It sounds overly formal and may be better replaced with simpler alternatives like "didn't suggest" or "didn't offer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to propose" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of action, specifically the absence of a suggestion, plan, or idea being put forward. Ludwig confirms this is correct usage, and the examples illustrate its role in highlighting omissions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to propose" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that means someone did not make a suggestion or offer an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, indicating a formal or neutral register. The phrase is used to express criticism, highlight a deficiency, or note the absence of a suggested solution. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and consider simpler alternatives like "did not suggest" or "didn't offer" in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not suggest

Emphasizes the absence of a suggestion being made.

did not put forward

Stresses the absence of presenting an idea or plan.

neglected to offer

Highlights an oversight or omission in providing an offer.

omitted to propose

Focuses on the act of leaving out a proposal.

did not advance

Highlights the absence of progressing an idea or plan.

declined to suggest

Indicates a deliberate refusal to make a suggestion.

refrained from proposing

Emphasizes the conscious decision to not make a proposal.

did not table a proposal

Focuses on the failure to formally present a proposal.

chose not to suggest

Highlights a specific decision not to offer an idea.

stopped short of suggesting

Implies almost making a suggestion but ultimately not doing so.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to propose" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to propose" to indicate that someone did not make a suggestion or offer an idea. For example: "The committee "failed to propose" a new plan during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "failed to propose"?

Alternatives include "did not suggest", "neglected to offer", or "did not put forward" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "failed to propose"?

"Failed to propose" is suitable for formal or professional contexts where a lack of suggestions or proposals needs to be highlighted.

Which is correct, "failed to propose" or "failed to offer"?

Both "failed to propose" and "failed to offer" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Failed to propose" implies not suggesting a plan or idea, while "failed to offer" implies not providing something requested or needed.