the proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

"the proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a plan or idea. For example: "After careful deliberation, the team decided to accept the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The proposal?

The New York Times

The proposal was defeated.

The New York Times

The proposal failed.

The New York Times

That is the proposal.

The Guardian

The proposal went nowhere.

The New Yorker

Now, what's the proposal?

The New York Times

The proposal enjoined Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What about the proposal?

The New York Times

Lynn rejected the proposal.

The New York Times - Sports

THE proposal is meaty.

The New York Times

The proposal died.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the proposal" when referring to a specific, formal suggestion or plan that has been put forward for consideration. It is appropriate in business, academic, and legal contexts.

Common error

While "the proposal" is widely understood, avoid using it in very casual conversations. Alternatives like "the idea" or "my suggestion" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the proposal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Examples provided by Ludwig show it refers to a specific plan or suggestion under consideration. It's commonly used to denote something put forward for acceptance or rejection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the proposal" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It denotes a specific plan or suggestion under consideration, often in formal settings. While highly versatile, it's best suited for professional, academic, and news contexts. Alternatives like "the plan" or "the suggestion" may be more suitable in informal settings. Remember to use "the proposal" when referring to a specific, already mentioned plan and "a proposal" when introducing a new one. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources, making it a key term for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the plan

Focuses more on a structured and detailed course of action.

the suggestion

Implies a less formal and less detailed idea.

the proposition

Highlights the act of putting forward an idea for consideration.

the scheme

Suggests a more complex or potentially dubious plan.

the offer

Emphasizes the willingness to provide something under specific terms.

the recommendation

Indicates advice or guidance put forward.

the approach

Refers to a method or way of dealing with a situation.

the project

Focuses on a specific undertaking or endeavor.

the submission

Highlights the act of presenting something for approval or consideration.

the pitch

Implies a persuasive presentation of an idea.

FAQs

How to use "the proposal" in a sentence?

Use "the proposal" when referring to a specific plan or suggestion being considered. For example: "The committee reviewed "the proposal" carefully before making a decision."

What can I say instead of "the proposal"?

You can use alternatives like "the plan", "the suggestion", or "the proposition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the proposal" or "a proposal"?

"The proposal" refers to a specific, already mentioned or understood plan. "A proposal" introduces a new, unspecified plan. For example, "I submitted a proposal, and the committee is reviewing "the proposal" now."

What's the difference between "the proposal" and "the suggestion"?

"The proposal" often implies a more formal, detailed, and structured plan, whereas "the suggestion" is typically more informal and less detailed. A proposal may be a formal document, while a suggestion is often just a thought offered for consideration.