propose a bill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propose a bill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in the context of legislative processes when someone is suggesting a new law or amendment for consideration. Example: "The senator plans to propose a bill aimed at improving public transportation in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"The governor didn't propose a bill banning plea bargains, did he?" Mr. Silver asked rhetorically.

The New York Times

He said the reformists would propose a bill requiring any invalidation of results to be justified in writing.

The New York Times

Propose a bill to help start-ups, see your legislation win bipartisan support and the president's signature.

The New York Times

At a time when "everybody wants to propose a bill about ethics," the commission needs to pick and choose carefully, she said.

The New York Times

The German government is expected to propose a bill this autumn which would ensure that circumcision remains legal in the country.

The Guardian

The strategy was to propose a bill that the Congress was likely to turn down and then to blame Congress for its "soft" approach to crime.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

In 2004, Louisiana, USA State Representative Derrick Shepherd proposed a bill (HB1626), also known as the Baggy Pants Bill to Louisiana House of Representatives.

Wikipedia

Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky of Westchester proposed a bill yesterday to do so.

The New York Times

In June Midwestern senators proposed a bill to speed up a study of the issue.

The Economist

Orrin Hatch, Utah's senior senator, recently proposed a bill to criminalise false statements about military service.

The Economist

Senator John Kerry has proposed a bill to try to head off future blackouts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "propose a bill", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the proposal and in what legislative body the bill will be considered. For example, "The senator plans to "propose a bill" to address climate change in the upcoming session."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses when describing the act of proposing a bill. For example, instead of saying "He will proposed a bill", use "He will "propose a bill"" or "He proposed a bill."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propose a bill" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a legislative action. It explicitly communicates the intention to introduce a new piece of legislation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing actions by legislators and governments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "propose a bill" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of formally suggesting a new law for consideration, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase indicates the beginning of a legislative process. Alternative phrases such as "introduce a bill" or "submit a bill" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When writing, ensure the context clarifies who is proposing the bill and the legislative body involved. Avoid using incorrect verb tenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce a bill

Uses 'introduce' instead of 'propose', emphasizing the act of formally presenting the bill.

table a bill

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting the bill for consideration in a legislative body.

submit a bill

Focuses on the act of officially handing in the bill for review.

put forward a bill

Similar to 'propose', but with a slightly more emphatic tone of advocacy.

sponsor a bill

Highlights the act of officially supporting and endorsing a bill.

present a bill

Focuses on the act of making the bill known and available for consideration.

draft a bill

Emphasizes the writing and preparation aspect before it is formally introduced.

suggest legislation

Uses a more general term ('legislation') instead of 'bill'.

recommend a law

Replaces 'bill' with 'law', and 'propose' with 'recommend'.

float a legislative proposal

More informal; suggests testing the waters with an idea for a law.

FAQs

What does it mean to "propose a bill"?

To "propose a bill" means to formally suggest a new law or amendment for consideration by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress.

What are some alternatives to "propose a bill"?

You can use alternatives such as "introduce a bill", "submit a bill", or "put forward a bill" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Who can "propose a bill"?

Typically, elected members of a legislative body (such as senators, representatives, or members of parliament) are authorized to "propose a bill". The exact rules vary by jurisdiction.

What's the difference between "propose a bill" and "draft a bill"?

"Drafting a bill" refers to the writing and formulation of the bill's text, while "proposing a bill" is the act of formally presenting that drafted bill to a legislative body. One can "draft a bill" before "proposing" it.