Meaning & use
propose
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To suggest an idea or plan for people to think about and decide on.
Grammar: Can be followed by a noun, a that-clause, or a to-infinitive: propose a plan, propose that we leave, propose to leave.
Patterns
- propose something
- propose that + clause
- propose to do something
- propose doing something
The committee proposed a new set of rules.
I propose that we meet again next week.
She proposed to start the project in April.
verbtransitive or intransitive
To ask someone to marry you.
Grammar: Often used without an object: He proposed. Can be followed by 'to' + person: He proposed to her.
Patterns
- propose to someone
- propose marriage
He proposed to his girlfriend on the beach at sunset.
She was surprised when he proposed after only six months.
verbtransitive
To suggest someone for a position or honor, or to nominate them.
Grammar: Often followed by 'as' or 'for': propose someone as chairman, propose someone for membership.
Patterns
- propose someone as something
- propose someone for something
I propose Dr. Lee as the next chair of the department.
They proposed her for the award.
Word forms
| third person singular | proposes |
|---|---|
| past tense | proposed |
| past participle | proposed |
| -ing form | proposing |
Common combinations
- propose a solution
- The engineer proposed a simple solution to the problem.
- propose a toast
- At the wedding, the best man proposed a toast to the couple.
- propose marriage
- He proposed marriage to her in a quiet restaurant.
- propose a change
- The board proposed a change to the company's policy.
Synonyms and how they differ
- suggest
- More general and often less formal; can be used for ideas, while 'propose' often implies a formal plan or motion.
- recommend
- Suggests that someone should do something because it is good or wise, whereas 'propose' simply puts an idea forward.
- nominate
- Used specifically for suggesting someone for a position or award, similar to one sense of 'propose'.
Opposites
Word family
- proposal noun
- A formal plan or suggestion.
- proposition noun
- A suggested plan or idea; also a statement to be considered.
- proposer noun
- A person who suggests a plan or motion.
Commonly confused: propose or purpose?
propose vs purpose
A noun meaning 'aim' or 'reason', while 'propose' is a verb meaning 'suggest'. They sound similar but are different parts of speech.
Practice
The mayor ______ that the city build a new park.
Choose one answer.
The verb 'propose' can be followed by a that-clause without a preposition: 'proposed that the city build'. 'Proposed to' would mean 'asked someone to marry', and 'for' and 'with' do not fit this structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “propose”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.