prepare a proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prepare a proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to create a formal document outlining a plan or suggestion for consideration. Example: "Please prepare a proposal for the new marketing strategy by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Always check the Call for Proposals and Proposers' Observatory Guide for current information, and be sure you are using the latest versions of software linked off the Proposer page when you prepare a proposal.

Harvard University

Students must prepare a proposal for independent study.

Cornell University

Is there an example of how to prepare a proposal?

Harvard University

Why? 4. Prepare a proposal for a children's museum in your community.

The New York Times

EADS has said it may be interested in competing on its own but needs more time to prepare a proposal.

The New York Times

The findings will be presented to Social Affairs Minister Lars Engqvist, who will prepare a proposal for Parliament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

If we received answers, we prepared a proposal.

The New York Times

The rover team has prepared a proposal for using the Spirit as a stationary science station.

The New York Times - Science

After seeing Mr. Buffett's solicitation, he began preparing a proposal.

The New York Times

Ms. Van der Leun guided him through preparing a proposal, something he had never done.

The New York Times

Gasper's firm prepared a proposal and began work that March.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When preparing a proposal, clearly define the problem you are addressing and offer a concise solution. Providing a well-structured and easy-to-understand document increases your chances of approval.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language in your proposal. Ensure the content is accessible to a broad audience, increasing the likelihood of your proposal being understood and approved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare a proposal" functions as an instructional phrase, often used to direct or assign the task of creating a formal document. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is a correct and usable construction in written English. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in both academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prepare a proposal" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression across diverse fields. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a correct and effective way to instruct someone to develop a formal document. Its prevalence in news, academic, scientific, and business contexts underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "draft a proposal" or "develop a proposal" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and direct way to assign this important task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draft a proposal

Replaces "prepare" with "draft", emphasizing the initial creation stage.

develop a proposal

Substitutes "prepare" with "develop", highlighting the process of elaboration and refinement.

create a proposal

Uses "create" instead of "prepare", focusing on the act of bringing something new into existence.

put together a proposal

Replaces "prepare" with "put together", suggesting an assembly or compilation of elements.

formulate a proposal

Employs "formulate" instead of "prepare", emphasizing the careful and systematic creation of the proposal.

draw up a proposal

Uses "draw up" in place of "prepare", indicating the detailed outlining and drafting of the proposal.

write a proposal

Replaces "prepare" with "write", focusing on the textual composition of the proposal.

assemble a proposal

Substitutes "prepare" with "assemble", suggesting the gathering and arrangement of different components.

arrange a proposal

Uses "arrange" instead of "prepare", highlighting the organization and structuring of the proposal's content.

construct a proposal

Replaces "prepare" with "construct", emphasizing the building or creation of the proposal from various parts.

FAQs

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

You can use "prepare a proposal" to instruct someone to create a formal document outlining a plan or suggestion for consideration. For example, "Please prepare a proposal for the new marketing strategy by the end of the week."

What are some alternatives to "prepare a proposal"?

Alternatives include "draft a proposal", "develop a proposal", or "create a proposal", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "prepare a proposal" and "draft a proposal"?

"Prepare a proposal" is a general instruction to create a proposal. "Draft a proposal" specifically implies creating a preliminary version, suggesting it might be subject to revisions.

Which is more formal: "prepare a proposal" or "put together a proposal"?

"Prepare a proposal" is generally considered more formal than "put together a proposal". The latter has a more casual tone and suggests a less structured approach.