second the proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'second the proposal' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase in a formal meeting setting or in a written document that records the minutes of a meeting. For example: "The motion to fund the project was presented and John Smith seconded the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Second, the proposal defines political activity in troubling ways.

The Washington Post

Second, the proposal assumes that the 60% limit could be maintained.

The Economist

And second, the proposal has a serious flaw (again, not necessarily a barrier to his lordship).

Independent

Second, the proposal to cut the teaching grant distributed to English universities by £3.2bn, with a 100% reduction for the arts, humanities and social sciences, is a disaster for higher education, culture and the economy.

The Guardian

Second, the proposal that a singular belief is justified merely in virtue of being a member of a justified totality can be questioned because, plausibly, a belief can be a member of a sufficiently coherent system without in any way adding to the coherence of that system.

SEP

Second, the proposal requires that we engage Russia to assist (how, exactly?) countering a secondary danger whose (i) very creation Russia enabled, aided and abetted, that (ii) it continues to promote, and (iii) of which it continues to be the beneficiary of.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Second, the proposals make confessions to a police officer admissible.

Huffington Post

Rushen MHK Phil Gawne proposed Mr Rodan, and North Douglas MHK John Houghton seconded the proposal.

BBC

First, the proposal would swamp bankruptcy courts.

The New York Times

First, the proposal risks conflating refugees and stateless persons.

The Guardian

Third, the proposal must be accompanied by a discussion of alternatives for solving the problem.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "second the proposal" in formal meeting contexts to indicate support for a motion or suggestion. Ensure proper parliamentary procedure is followed.

Common error

Avoid using "second the proposal" when you are the one introducing or originating the idea. "Second" means to support an already existing suggestion. To originate you would say, "I propose..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second the proposal" functions as a performative verb phrase. It's used to perform the act of formally supporting a motion or suggestion within a structured setting. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "second the proposal" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, primarily employed in formal settings such as meetings or legal proceedings, to express support for a previously made suggestion or motion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not widely frequent, its use is appropriate in contexts demanding adherence to procedure. Alternatives include "endorse the proposal" or "support the proposal", although they lack the procedural specificity of "second". Avoid using the phrase if you're originating the proposal, as it implies supporting someone else's suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second the motion

A more formal alternative specific to meeting or parliamentary procedures, using "motion" instead of "proposal".

endorse the proposal

Replaces "second" with a more general term for support, suitable in similar contexts.

support the proposal

A direct and widely applicable alternative, less formal than "second".

back the proposal

An informal synonym for "support", implying agreement and readiness to help.

approve the proposal

Suggests a formal endorsement with authority.

affirm the proposal

Emphasizes a strong agreement with the proposal.

adopt the proposal

Implies formally accepting and implementing the proposal.

ratify the proposal

Implies formal validation and confirmation, often in legal or official settings.

uphold the proposal

Suggests maintaining or defending the proposal against challenges.

champion the proposal

Indicates active and enthusiastic support, taking a leading role in promoting it.

FAQs

What does it mean to "second the proposal"?

To "second the proposal" means to formally support a suggestion or motion that has already been made by someone else, indicating that there is at least another person who agrees with it and wants it to be considered.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "second the proposal"?

It's appropriate to use "second the proposal" during formal meetings or discussions when someone has made a suggestion, and you want to show your support for it. It is particularly common in parliamentary procedure.

What's the difference between "support the proposal" and "second the proposal"?

"Support the proposal" is a general term for agreeing with a suggestion. "Second the proposal" is a more formal and specific term used in meetings to officially endorse a motion so it can be discussed and voted upon.

Are there any synonyms for "second the proposal" that I can use?

While "second the proposal" is fairly specific, you could use alternatives such as "endorse the proposal" or "back the proposal" to convey a similar meaning of support, though they may not carry the same procedural weight in formal settings.