simply a proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply a proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify that something is not final or binding, but rather a suggestion or idea for consideration. Example: "This is simply a proposal, and we can discuss any changes you might want to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In environments where collusion agreements are likely to be both proposed and executed by the involved parties, this approach may neglect information leakages from simply a proposal to collude.

Journal of Economic Theory

However, you can't actually use Privacy Shake yet as it's simply a proposal for a 'human computer interface'.

TechCrunch

This is simply a proposal, and it would be interesting to analyse in future studies if these orthologous candidates demonstrate functional catalysis of the same reaction.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I propose the following classification, based on R, to categorize the co-authorship networking of scientists: solitary (R>2.5) nuclear (R = 2.25 2.5) networked (R = 2 2.25) extensively networked (R = 1.75 2) collaborator (R<1.75) The proposed cut-offs for R are simply an operational proposal.

Plosone

So the court might simply have rejected a proposal to split the Windows business three ways.But in addition to these points, there is an economic rationale for the "half-measure" horizontal chop.

The Economist

Rather, I think he and his advisers simply made up a proposal that was everything to everybody without bothering to check for internal consistency.

The New York Times

Like about a half-dozen other artists, Mr. Haacke was asked simply to submit a proposal for what he would do, pending approval by the curators.

The New York Times

Now obviously, there are good questions about whether an identity theory along these lines is or could be true, but regardless of whether it is true, it should not be ruled out simply because of a proposal about how to define the words in which it is stated.

SEP

As the founder of Ending Spending Action Fund, a super PAC, I simply met with and requested a proposal from a political consultant.

The New York Times

Third is a proposal to simply recognize that assessment of added therapeutic benefit will often need to be based on indirect comparisons and to plan for it.

Nature

"It is simply not possible to develop a proposal under which five whole constituencies... are contained within the county boundary... Consequently, our proposals include one constituency that crosses the boundary between these two counties".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply a proposal" to clearly communicate that an idea is not yet finalized and is open to discussion or modification.

Common error

Avoid treating something presented as "simply a proposal" as if it's already decided. Clearly indicate that it's still under consideration to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply a proposal" functions as a qualifier to a noun phrase. The adverb "simply" modifies the noun "proposal", indicating that the proposal is in a basic, uncomplicated, or preliminary state. Ludwig confirms this usage through real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply a proposal" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that an idea is preliminary and open for discussion. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage and the example sentences show its versatility across various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While alternatives exist, such as "merely a suggestion" or "just an idea", "simply a proposal" strikes a balance between formality and clarity. Keep in mind that treating a proposal as final when it is explicitly labeled as "simply a proposal" can lead to miscommunication and errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a suggestion

Replaces "simply" with "merely", emphasizing the limited nature of the proposal.

just an idea

Uses more informal language to convey the proposal's preliminary status.

plainly a suggestion

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the proposal.

purely a proposition

Uses "proposition" instead of "proposal" for a slightly more formal tone.

only a draft

Highlights the unfinished and preliminary state of the proposal.

just a plan

Substitutes "idea" with the less formal "plan".

primarily a suggestion

Uses "primarily" to indicate that the proposal's main function is to suggest.

basically a suggestion

Emphasizes that the underlying function is a suggestion with the term "basically".

fundamentally a proposition

Indicates the proposition is the foundational element.

essentially a concept

Replaces "proposal" with "concept" to focus on the abstract idea.

FAQs

How can I use "simply a proposal" in a sentence?

You can use "simply a proposal" to indicate that something is an idea or suggestion that is not yet finalized. For instance, "The presented document is "simply a proposal", and all feedback is welcome".

What are some alternatives to saying "simply a proposal"?

Alternatives include "merely a suggestion", "just an idea", or "a preliminary plan". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "simply a proposal" in formal writing?

Yes, "simply a proposal" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider the nuance you wish to convey. A more formal alternative might be "a preliminary proposal" or "a tentative suggestion".

What's the difference between "simply a proposal" and "a concrete plan"?

"Simply a proposal" implies that something is in the early stages of development and is open to change. In contrast, "a concrete plan" suggests that something is well-defined and ready for implementation.