propose an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

'propose an idea' is correct and is a commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are presenting/suggesting an idea. For example: "I would like to propose an idea to help make the presentation more engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"It was like ping-pong," says Esnaola. "One would propose an idea.

The Guardian

Mr. Terkel went out into the city's neighborhoods, tape recorder in hand, and produced "Division Street," an enormous success and the beginning of a lifelong relationship in which Mr. Schiffrin would propose an idea and Mr. Terkel would execute it.

The New York Times - Books

In all their work together back to 1984 -- including the 10 one-hour films for Polish television called "The Decalogue," "The Double Life of Véronique" and the "Red," "White" and "Blue" trilogy -- Mr. Piesiewicz would propose an idea, he said, and then he and Kieslowski would collaborate on a short-story-like prose version of the eventual script.

The New York Times

In Section 7, we will discuss some heuristics used to transfer source designs into alternative target systems and propose an idea generation model based on the former study.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

To reduce test cases creation efforts, we propose an idea of two-tier abstraction which groups software to software groups and function groups and selects test cases belonging to each group.

Journal of Cloud Computing

In this paper, we propose an idea to make all training samples of different classes represent a test sample in a more competitive way, which is more useful to distinguish the class most similar to the test sample from the other classes.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It proposed an idea to be fleshed out in future cases.

The New Yorker

The agent proposed an idea in an e-mail to his colleagues and to prosecutors.

The New York Times

That, roughly, is what those proposing an idea called partial immortalisation are suggesting.

The Economist

In 1929, Michael Shadid, a doctor in western Oklahoma, proposed an idea for making medical care affordable to farmers.

The New York Times

Proposing an idea heretical to many evolutionary biologists is one of the smaller skirmishes Dr. Wilson has set off.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "propose an idea", clearly articulate the idea to avoid ambiguity. Ensure the proposal is well-defined and supported with relevant details.

Common error

Avoid presenting the idea too vaguely. Without sufficient detail, the proposal may be dismissed due to a lack of clarity or perceived feasibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propose an idea" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, where 'propose' acts as the main verb and 'an idea' serves as the direct object. This construction aligns with Ludwig's observation that it is a commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propose an idea" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to introduce a new concept or suggestion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources, indicating its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure the idea is clearly articulated. Alternatives like "suggest a concept" or "offer a proposal" may provide nuanced emphasis. Remember that while acceptable in many contexts, it's vital to provide detailed explanations to prevent vague proposals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest a concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept", implying a more abstract or theoretical suggestion.

put forth a suggestion

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the act of offering a suggestion for consideration.

offer a proposal

Highlights the act of formally presenting an idea for acceptance or rejection.

present a notion

Emphasizes the act of bringing a thought or belief to attention.

table a thought

Suggests introducing a thought for discussion, particularly in a formal setting.

advance an opinion

Focuses on expressing a personal belief or judgment.

float an idea

Implies tentatively introducing an idea to gauge reactions.

posit a theory

Suggests presenting a set of ideas intended to explain something.

hypothesize a plan

Focuses on formulating a speculative explanation as a basis for action.

introduce a scheme

Highlights the presentation of a detailed plan or program of action.

FAQs

How can I use "propose an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "propose an idea" when you want to suggest a new concept or solution. For example, "During the meeting, I want to "propose an idea" to improve team collaboration".

What is a more formal way to say "propose an idea"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "offer a proposal" or "put forth a suggestion", which convey a similar meaning with enhanced formality.

Is there a difference between "suggest an idea" and "propose an idea"?

While both phrases imply introducing a new concept, "propose an idea" often suggests a more formal and developed presentation, whereas "suggest an idea" can be more informal and preliminary.

What are some alternatives to "propose an idea" in a brainstorming session?

In a brainstorming session, you could use phrases like "float an idea" or "present a notion" to introduce new concepts in a more casual way.