propose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting an idea, plan, or course of action to someone. Example: "I would like to propose a new strategy for improving our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is why we will propose a 'double lock', meaning that exit from the European Union would only be possible if all UK nations agreed.

The Guardian

"We will propose a 'double majority' rule – meaning that unless England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each vote to leave the EU, as well as the UK as a whole, Britain would remain a member state".

The Guardian

Salmond could choose a referendum date, introduce votes for 16- and 17-year-olds, and propose the question.

The Guardian

We don't yet know what the rest of Europe is going to propose.

The Guardian

A spokesman for Almunia told the Guardian that after discussions with the UK authorities, he would "propose to the college of commissioners to take a positive decision and in principle the decision should be taken during this mandate of the commission in October".

The Guardian

The government will today propose the biggest overhaul of child maintenance for a decade, arguing that the current system encourages conflict between parents.

The Guardian

We'll propose a double majority meaning that exit from the EU would only be possible if all four nations agreed to that, something that would ensure that Scotland couldn't be forced out of the EU against our will".

The Guardian

The expansion of Russian state media and its increasingly anti-Western content has prompted European Union lawmakers to propose creating a joint Russian-language television channel to provide an alternative source of information.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.49pm BST14:49 Osborne says it is up to Alex Salmond to propose another option.

The Guardian

Q: If a future chancellor were to propose a currency union, would there have to be a referendum?

The Guardian

Campbell said he expected the party's general election manifesto for 2015 would propose a new federal structure for the UK, as he unveiled a detailed plan to give the Scottish parliament far greater financial and political freedoms within the UK, as the Scottish Lib Dems' alternative to full independence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propose" in formal settings to convey a thoughtful and considered suggestion.

Common error

Avoid vague uses of "propose" without specifying the exact plan or suggestion. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propose" is as a verb, used to introduce a plan, suggestion, or intention. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propose" is a versatile verb used to suggest plans, ideas, or intentions, and to ask for someone's hand in marriage. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. While the formality can vary, clarity in stating your proposal is key. Alternatives like "suggest" or "offer" can be used depending on the context. To ensure effective communication, clearly articulate your proposition and its benefits, especially in formal settings. Steer clear of ambiguous phrasing when using the expression "propose".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suggest

Suggest is a more general term for introducing an idea.

Recommend

Recommend suggests advocating for a particular course of action.

Offer

Offer implies a willingness to provide something, not just an idea.

Put forward

This alternative is less formal and often used in discussions.

Submit

Submit is typically used in more formal or official contexts.

Advance

Advance suggests moving forward with a plan or idea.

Table

This alternative means to present something for consideration.

Set forth

Set forth is more formal and implies a detailed explanation.

Nominate

Nominate is specific to suggesting someone for a position or award.

Intend

Intend focuses on the plan or purpose one has in mind.

FAQs

How to use "propose" in a sentence?

You can use "propose" to suggest a plan, as in "I "propose a new strategy"", or to ask someone to marry you, as in "He "proposed to her"".

What can I say instead of "propose"?

You can use alternatives like "suggest", "offer", or "put forward" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "propose"?

"Propose" is appropriate in formal settings when suggesting a plan or idea. It is also used when asking someone to marry you.

What's the difference between "propose" and "suggest"?

"Propose" often implies a more formal and detailed suggestion, while "suggest" is a more general term for introducing an idea. Propose can also refer to asking someone to marry you.