propose
B2Neutral to formal. Common in legal, academic, business, and romantic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To formally suggest or put forward an idea, plan, or course of action for consideration or acceptance.
To intend or plan to do something; to make an offer of marriage; to nominate someone for a position or membership; to put forward a theory or explanation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a formal or serious suggestion, requiring deliberation or a decision from others. Can denote intention ('I propose to leave'), suggestion ('I propose a change'), or the act of asking someone to marry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., BrE 'proposer', AmE also 'proposer').
Connotations
Slight tendency for 'propose a toast' to be more frequent in BrE formal settings, but used in both.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
propose + noun (propose a change)propose + that-clause (propose that we leave)propose + to-infinitive (propose to implement it)propose + for (propose him for chairman)propose + to + person (propose to her)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “propose a toast”
- “propose marriage”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To formally suggest a strategy, budget, or merger in meetings or reports.
Academic
To put forward a hypothesis, theory, or research methodology.
Everyday
To suggest an activity ('I propose we go for a walk') or to ask someone to marry you.
Technical
In law/governance: to formally submit a motion or bill for debate and voting.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The chair will propose the motion at the AGM.
- He finally proposed on holiday in Cornwall.
- I propose we adjourn for lunch.
American English
- The committee will propose new bylaws.
- He proposed to her at the Grand Canyon.
- I propose we break for lunch.
adverb
British English
- (No direct adverb form; use 'proposedly' is very rare/non-standard)
- The plan was purportedly/proposedly beneficial.
American English
- (No direct adverb form; use 'proposedly' is very rare/non-standard)
- The idea was allegedly/proposedly innovative.
adjective
British English
- The proposed development has angered locals.
- Her proposed solution was ingenious.
American English
- The proposed tax changes are controversial.
- His proposed timeline seems realistic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He wants to propose to his girlfriend.
- I propose a game of football.
- The government proposes to build a new hospital.
- She proposed a great idea for our project.
- The opposition party proposed an amendment to the bill.
- He proposed a radical new theory in his paper.
- The architect proposed an ingenious solution to the spatial constraints, integrating sustainable materials.
- The diplomat cautiously proposed a framework for the preliminary negotiations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessor POSing a question: a PROfessor PROPOSES ideas to the class.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS OFFERED FOR ACCEPTANCE (put forward an idea).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'предлагать' в casual контекстах (лучше 'suggest'). 'Propose' часто формальнее. 'Предложить руку и сердце' = 'to propose (marriage)'.
- В значении 'планировать' ('I propose to start tomorrow') — формальный оттенок, не бытовой.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I propose you to go.' Correct: 'I propose that you go' or 'I propose going.'
- Confusing 'propose' with 'purpose'.
- Using 'propose' for trivial suggestions where 'suggest' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'propose' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Propose' is more formal and often implies a structured plan requiring a decision. 'Suggest' is more general and informal for any idea.
Rarely. It is typically transitive (propose a plan). In 'He proposed to her', 'to her' is an indirect object.
Use it to formally introduce a motion: 'I propose we allocate more funds to marketing.' It often precedes a vote.
The main noun is 'proposal' (a plan or offer). 'Proposition' is related but often means a statement or business offer. 'Proposer' is the person who proposes.