request proposals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request proposals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for formal suggestions or bids, typically in a business or project context. Example: "We would like to request proposals from qualified vendors for our upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Budget officials said the administration would request proposals in September.

The New York Times

She said she plans to increase fund-raising efforts and request proposals from architects and exhibit designers in developing final plans.

The New York Times

He will then use his connections to request proposals from Chinese companies to develop the project, returning to North Korea to convince the relevant official to select the favored company.

The Guardian

The department said it still planned to request proposals for future vending, but added that it would consider "prior experience, longstanding community relations and the variety of cuisine offered".

The New York Times

"But the idea was to get people who had the expertise," Mr. Thompson said, and to deal with potential conflicts of interest when it came time to request proposals for contracts and to issue them.

The New York Times

Mr. Sternberg said the city would soon request proposals for "a different kind of test" for 2012 "that would be harder to game in the way that so many families do, so as a result to be more likely to result in a level playing field".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In March, the city began requesting proposals for a smartphone-based payment system.

The New York Times

The department requested proposals in June, and responses were due by the end of July.

The New York Times

Today he requested proposals from real estate consultants for detailed plans to consolidate operations and sell county property.

The New York Times

Nearly 60 other cities and towns have requested proposals from vendors or taken steps toward creating networks.

The New York Times - Tech

In July 2000 the museum's board requested proposals from more than 100 architects; five finalists were chosen.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "request proposals", clearly define the scope and requirements of the project to ensure relevant and focused responses. Providing detailed guidelines increases the likelihood of receiving high-quality submissions that meet your specific needs.

Common error

Avoid vague or ambiguous language when writing your "request proposals". Clearly state the objectives, deliverables, and evaluation criteria to prevent confusion and ensure that potential vendors understand your expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request proposals" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of formally asking for detailed plans or bids for a specific project or service. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. The examples in the search results demonstrate its widespread use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "request proposals" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to formally solicit bids or plans for projects. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It is used across various sectors, including news, business and science, and is generally considered professional in tone. To ensure clear and effective communication, especially in formal contexts, providing detailed guidelines and clear objectives in the proposal request is important. Consider related phrases like "solicit bids" or "invite tenders" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solicit bids

Replaces "proposals" with "bids", implying a more formal, often price-focused submission.

invite tenders

Uses "tenders" instead of "proposals", common in formal procurement contexts.

issue an invitation to bid

Formal phrasing, emphasizing the act of extending an invitation for bidding.

seek submissions

More general; "submissions" can cover a wider range of documents than proposals.

initiate a request for proposals process

Emphasizes the entire process of requesting and evaluating proposals.

call for applications

Specific to situations where the request is for an application, rather than a general proposal.

put out a call for proposals

More casual phrasing, indicating an announcement or open invitation.

ask for quotes

Focuses specifically on requesting price quotations for services or products.

announce an open call

Broader term; can refer to various types of submissions, not just proposals.

seek expressions of interest

Used to gauge initial interest before requesting full proposals.

FAQs

How can I use "request proposals" in a sentence?

You can use "request proposals" to indicate that you are formally seeking submissions for a project. For example: "The city will "request proposals" for the new park design next month."

What can I say instead of "request proposals"?

Alternatives include "solicit bids", "invite tenders", or "seek submissions", depending on the context and formality required.

What's the difference between "request proposals" and "invite tenders"?

"Request proposals" is a more general term, while "invite tenders" is often used in formal procurement processes, particularly in governmental or large organizational settings. The two terms are largely interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to "request proposals"?

It's appropriate to "request proposals" when you have a specific project or need and require detailed plans, pricing, and approaches from various vendors or service providers. This ensures you can evaluate the best option for your needs.