putting forth an idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "putting forth an idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of presenting or suggesting a concept or thought to others. Example: "During the meeting, she was putting forth an idea that could potentially improve our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just as someone else is putting forth an idea, use a contradictory word or phrase, such as "but," "no", or "I disagree". to interject.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is no consensus to cull from these 25 takes, which are short enough to put forth an idea or two with a minimum of hedging.

The Economist

The company was recently awarded a patent that puts forth an idea for pay-per-gaze advertising — a way in which people interacting with ads in the real world could be analyzed in the digital world.

The New York Times

The state party in Michigan hasn't put forth an idea of its own, says The Wall Street Journal, but "the Clinton campaign is leaning more toward a second party-run primary, while two of Sen. Obama's campaign state co-chairmen suggested this week that a 50-50 split was a better course of action".

The New York Times

"I just felt in what I have left in life, any chance I get to put forth an idea or a thought that might provoke interest is something that I should do," he said in a phone interview recently, his voice sinewy but emphatic.

The New Yorker

The professor recently put forth an idea that was just begging to be held down and turned into a headline – the notion that bankers taking cocaine caused the global financial crisis.

Vice

At the tail end of the 1970s, the decade in which the dreams of revolution that sparked a generation went to die, James Baldwin wrote to his literary agent in order to put forth an idea for a book that he would never complete.

Vice

Fuentes has put forth an intriguing idea.

Los Angeles Times

The only way you can block a very bad idea is to put forth a good idea.

The New York Times - Science

When the SPD and Greens promised a minimum wage, Mrs Merkel quickly put forth a similar idea (albeit with flexible wage floors across regions and industries).

The Economist

Most of the first act is devoted to debate about Rachel's provocative field of study, which puts forth a new idea on the "why" of menstruation, suggesting that this biological process is a "defense" against the "toxicity of sperm".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "putting forth an idea" when you want to formally introduce a new concept or suggestion in a professional or academic setting. This phrase is suitable for presentations, reports, and discussions where clear and direct communication is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "putting forth an idea" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "suggesting" or "proposing" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "putting forth an idea" is that of a verb phrase acting as a means of introducing or presenting a new concept, thought, or plan. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for clearly presenting concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "putting forth an idea" is a versatile phrase commonly used to introduce new concepts in both formal and informal settings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While primarily found in news, scientific, and business sources, its usage extends to encyclopedias and wikis, indicating broad applicability. When using the phrase, consider the formality of the situation, opting for simpler alternatives like "suggesting an idea" in casual settings. Mastering its usage can help enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Propose a concept

Focuses on the suggestion aspect, similar level of formality.

Present a proposal

Highlights the formal presentation of an idea.

Offer a suggestion

Emphasizes a helpful or constructive element.

Float an idea

Suggests introducing an idea tentatively to gauge reaction.

Table an idea

Implies introducing an idea for discussion or consideration.

Posit a notion

Introduces an idea or concept as a basis for reasoning or discussion.

Advance a theory

Highlights the theoretical nature of the idea being introduced.

Hypothesize a concept

Suggests forming a hypothesis as a starting point for investigation.

Submit a plan

Focuses on submitting a structured plan for approval.

Air an opinion

Emphasizes the act of expressing a personal view.

FAQs

How can I use "putting forth an idea" in a sentence?

You can use "putting forth an idea" to introduce a new concept or suggestion, such as, "During the meeting, she was "putting forth an idea" to improve team collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "putting forth an idea"?

Alternatives include "proposing an idea", "presenting a concept", or "offering a suggestion", depending on the context.

Is "putting forth an idea" formal or informal?

"Putting forth an idea" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic settings. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "putting forth an idea" and "suggesting an idea"?

"Putting forth an idea" is a more formal way of "suggesting an idea". The former implies a deliberate and thoughtful presentation, while the latter is more general and can be used in informal settings.