proposal was turned down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proposal was turned down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where a suggestion or plan has been rejected or not accepted. Example: "After much consideration, the committee decided that the proposal was turned down due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Two years later, the proposal was turned down again.

The New Yorker

His proposal was turned down on the grounds that the CPRS was a non-political body.

The Guardian

Whatever the larger issues, at a time of brutal budget realities, Ms. Akman's proposal was turned down.

The New York Times

After Minerva's first proposal was turned down in 2008, Wandsworth council last year approved a revised redevelopment plan.

The Guardian - Business

Could I make a sculpture about death that was really about life?" His proposal was turned down, not surprisingly, so he is making it on his own.

The New Yorker

When he asks his corporate bosses for a share of gross profits, 'the proposal was turned down as flat as Twiggy's chest'.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It says it will walk away if its proposal is turned down.

The Economist

Slade says he plans to build a high-density housing development if the golf-club proposal is turned down.

The New Yorker

Carver's offer to adopt Randy is the final step in his maturity, and suggests he is growing up to fill Bunny Colvin's shoes, but his proposal is turned down for convincingly bureaucratic reasons.

The Guardian

The negotiations were simultaneous with Amani's negotiations, but our proposals were turned down by the agent".

The New York Times - Sports

In many businesses, a lack of communication and understanding between employees, management and finance teams can be the real reason budgets and proposals are turned down.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "proposal was turned down", ensure the context clearly indicates who rejected the proposal and, if relevant, the reason for the rejection for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying who turned down the proposal. Instead of just stating "The proposal was turned down", clarify with "The committee turned down the proposal" to provide clear attribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proposal was turned down" functions as a statement indicating the rejection of a suggested plan or offer. Based on Ludwig's examples, this phrase is commonly used to report the outcome of a submitted proposal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proposal was turned down" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a plan or suggestion has been rejected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves the purpose of informing about a negative outcome in a clear and neutral manner. Alternatives include phrases like "the proposal was rejected" or "the suggestion was declined". When using this phrase, clarity is key, so specify who rejected the proposal to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the proposal was rejected

Uses a more direct synonym for "turned down", which is "rejected".

the suggestion was declined

Replaces "proposal" with "suggestion" and "turned down" with "declined", offering a slightly more formal tone.

the plan was not accepted

Substitutes "proposal" with "plan" and uses a passive construction to express the rejection.

the application was denied

Replaces "proposal" with "application", indicating a formal request that was refused.

the offer was refused

Substitutes "proposal" with "offer", focusing on a presented opportunity that was not taken.

the request was denied

Replaces "proposal" with "request", which indicates that something asked for has been refused.

the idea was dismissed

Replaces "proposal" with "idea" and "turned down" with "dismissed", suggesting a quick rejection without much consideration.

the motion was defeated

Employs more formal and specific vocabulary, typically used in parliamentary or debate contexts.

the submission was rejected

Replaces "proposal" with "submission", often used in formal or academic settings.

the overture was rebuffed

Uses less common and more forceful vocabulary to express rejection, implying a strong or dismissive refusal.

FAQs

What does "proposal was turned down" mean?

The phrase "proposal was turned down" means that a suggestion, plan, or formal offer has been rejected or not accepted. It indicates that the decision-makers did not approve or agree to the proposal.

What can I say instead of "proposal was turned down"?

You can use alternatives like "the proposal was rejected", "the suggestion was declined", or "the plan was not accepted" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "proposal was turned down" or "proposal was rejected"?

Both "proposal was turned down" and "proposal was rejected" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Rejected" is a more direct and concise synonym, while "turned down" might sound slightly less formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "proposal was turned down" and "proposal was not approved"?

"Proposal was turned down" implies a more active rejection, whereas "proposal was not approved" can suggest a lack of endorsement or a failure to meet certain criteria without necessarily implying active opposition. Both convey that the proposal was unsuccessful.