Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
proposes
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word "proposes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about putting forward a suggested plan or course of action. For example: "The company proposes to offer a 10% discount on all products next month."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
It proposes one-third be reserved for open spaces – an area almost half the size of New York's Central Park; one-fourth for roads and transport links; and another third for mixed-use development, with a focus on tourism and public institutions.
News & Media
The report also proposes integrating council tax support into UC, and ending plans to provide £900m for a tax-free childcare scheme, calling instead for the money to be used to improve the childcare support for those on UC with young children.
News & Media
The report from Transport for the North – the new body of combined authorities – proposes cutting journey times with high-speed railways, new road connections, and Oyster-style smartcards and simpler fares throughout the region.
News & Media
By contrast, the opposition proposes, sensibly, to borrow to finance capital expenditure, thereby aiming at a more expansionary policy than intended by Osborne.
News & Media
The draft protection of charities bill – currently being scrutinised by the joint committee – proposes new powers for the commission, including the ability to issue official warnings, to disqualify trustees for up to 15 years or suspend them for up to two years, and to forcibly close charities and transfer their assets.
News & Media
The Lib Dems signed up to a pledge not to increase tuition fees but the coalition government now proposes lifting the cap to up to £9,000 a year.
News & Media
Labour needs to make clearer exactly how it proposes to devolve power and how far it is prepared to go.
News & Media
"It probably has its best chance if someone else proposes it".' I'll leave you with one of the more amusing but possibly telling stories that seems silly on the surface but likely speaks to the real story behind the scenes.
News & Media
It proposes one of the simple answers you'll come across anywhere, and I mean that as an absolute compliment.
News & Media
Rubio's answer to the War on Poverty is no more thoughtful: he proposes creating a "Flex Fund" to "[distribute] a lump sum payment to the states to use to support or create innovative and multifaceted state and local antipoverty programs".
News & Media
Pickles proposes changing the law so that councils cannot charge right-to-buy leaseholders excessive repair bills.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "proposes", clearly state the subject doing the proposing and the object or plan being proposed to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "proposes" in informal conversation. Opt for words like "suggests" or "offers" instead.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "proposes" primarily functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "propose". It indicates the act of putting forward a plan, suggestion, or idea for consideration. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical use in a variety of contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Academia
5%
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "proposes" functions as a verb indicating the act of presenting a plan or idea, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for news, business, and academic contexts. Ludwig's AI also confirms its correct grammatical usage. The word appears frequently in sources like The Guardian and The Economist, signaling its prevalence in professional and informed discourse. When choosing "proposes", ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and clarity of intent.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
offers
Focuses on presenting something for acceptance or rejection.
suggests
Implies a less forceful presentation of an idea compared to "proposes".
recommends
Signifies endorsement and support for the idea being presented.
recommends
Indicates a favorable view and endorsement of the suggested action, unlike "proposes" which is neutral.
puts forward
Emphasizes the act of presenting or introducing an idea.
outlines
Implies providing a structured summary or plan.
advocates
Suggests active support and promotion of the idea.
introduces
Emphasizes bringing a new concept or plan to attention.
posits
Indicates a more formal and academic presentation of an idea or theory.
sets forth
Suggests a formal and structured presentation, often in legal or official contexts.
FAQs
How to use "proposes" in a sentence?
Use "proposes" to introduce a plan, idea, or suggestion. For example, "The committee "proposes" a new budget."
What can I say instead of "proposes"?
You can use alternatives like "suggests", "recommends", or "puts forward" depending on the context.
Is "proposes" formal or informal?
"Proposes" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts. It's less appropriate for casual conversation.
What's the difference between "proposes" and "suggests"?
"Proposes" often implies a more formal and structured offering of an idea, whereas "suggests" can be more casual and less assertive.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested