put forward
يقترح
Literally: To place something in a frontward direction
Use `put forward` when you want to suggest an idea for others to consider or debate.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to suggest an idea or plan to others.
- Works for both formal meetings and casual group planning.
- Can also mean nominating yourself or someone for a role.
Meaning
When you have an idea, a plan, or a suggestion, you 'put it forward' to share it with others for consideration.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
I'd like to put forward a new strategy for our marketing campaign.
أود أن أقترح استراتيجية جديدة لحملتنا التسويقية.
Planning a trip with friends
She put forward the idea of going to Italy this summer.
لقد اقترحت فكرة الذهاب إلى إيطاليا هذا الصيف.
Applying for a leadership role
He decided to put himself forward for the position of class president.
قرر أن يرشح نفسه لمنصب رئيس الفصل.
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from the physical act of moving a document or person to the front of a group for inspection. It is deeply rooted in British parliamentary procedure and legal traditions where formal motions must be 'put forward' to be debated. Today, it reflects a Western cultural emphasis on individual initiative and the 'marketplace of ideas.'
The 'Self' Trick
If you want a promotion, tell your boss: 'I'd like to put myself forward.' It sounds much more confident than 'I want the job.'
Don't confuse with 'Put Off'
`Put forward` means to suggest or advance, while `put off` means to delay. Mixing them up might mean your idea never happens!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to suggest an idea or plan to others.
- Works for both formal meetings and casual group planning.
- Can also mean nominating yourself or someone for a role.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as physically moving an idea from your mind to the center of a table. You are presenting something so people can look at it. It is not just thinking; it is sharing. It is like saying, "Hey, what do you think of this?"
How To Use It
You can use put forward with ideas, theories, or even people. You can put forward a proposal during a big meeting. You can also put yourself forward for a new job or promotion. It is a phrasal verb, so it is quite flexible. Just remember that the thing you are suggesting usually comes after the phrase. Don't worry, it doesn't involve any heavy lifting!
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound professional but not stiff. It is perfect for workplace brainstorms or planning a trip with friends. If you have a solution to a problem, put it forward. It shows you are proactive and confident. It works great in emails or face-to-face chats. Use it when you want your voice to be heard.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for very small, trivial things. You wouldn't put forward the idea of buying a candy bar. That is too dramatic! Also, do not use it if you are demanding something. This phrase implies you want others to think about it first. If you are angry, this phrase is probably too polite for your mood.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in the UK and US, being proactive is highly valued. Using put forward suggests you are a team player. It shows you contribute to the group's success. It has a long history in parliamentary debates. Politicians put forward motions to change laws. It feels democratic and fair.
Common Variations
You might hear people say bring forward or set forth. Bring forward is often used for moving a meeting to an earlier time. Set forth is much more formal and sounds like a knight in a movie. Stick with put forward for most modern situations. It is the 'Goldilocks' of phrases—just right!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional writing and speech to show initiative without being aggressive.
The 'Self' Trick
If you want a promotion, tell your boss: 'I'd like to put myself forward.' It sounds much more confident than 'I want the job.'
Don't confuse with 'Put Off'
`Put forward` means to suggest or advance, while `put off` means to delay. Mixing them up might mean your idea never happens!
The Polite Suggestion
In British culture, using `put forward` is a polite way to disagree. Instead of saying 'You're wrong,' they might say, 'May I put forward another view?'
Examples
6I'd like to put forward a new strategy for our marketing campaign.
أود أن أقترح استراتيجية جديدة لحملتنا التسويقية.
A professional way to introduce a suggestion.
She put forward the idea of going to Italy this summer.
لقد اقترحت فكرة الذهاب إلى إيطاليا هذا الصيف.
Casual use for group decision-making.
He decided to put himself forward for the position of class president.
قرر أن يرشح نفسه لمنصب رئيس الفصل.
Using the phrase for self-nomination.
Several theories have been put forward to explain the phenomenon.
تم اقتراح عدة نظريات لتفسير هذه الظاهرة.
Passive voice use in a formal, academic context.
I put forward the motion that we eat pizza for the third time this week.
أقترح أن نأكل البيتزا للمرة الثالثة هذا الأسبوع.
Using formal language for a silly, everyday topic.
I put forward a plan to help Grandma, but I hope nobody is offended.
لقد اقترحت خطة لمساعدة الجدة، لكنني آمل ألا ينزعج أحد.
Softening a suggestion in a delicate situation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
The committee has ___ a new set of rules for the club.
We use `put forward` because the committee is suggesting or presenting new rules.
Complete the sentence regarding a job application.
If you think you are ready, you should put ___ forward for the promotion.
When you nominate yourself, you use the reflexive pronoun `yourself` with `put forward`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Put Forward'
Suggesting a movie to friends.
I'll put forward a movie choice.
Sharing an idea in a team chat.
Let's put forward some ideas.
Presenting a legal motion.
The motion was put forward by the council.
When to use 'Put Forward'
Office Meeting
Suggesting a budget cut.
Job Hunting
Nominating yourself for a role.
Academic Paper
Presenting a new hypothesis.
Friend Group
Proposing a holiday destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they are very similar! However, put forward feels a bit more deliberate and formal than suggest.
Technically yes, but it is rare today. Usually, we use it for abstract things like ideas, plans, or proposals.
Absolutely! That is the most common way to use it. For example: He put forward an idea for the party.
Yes, it's fine for group chats. For example: I'm putting forward Friday night for our dinner.
The past tense is also put forward. For example: Yesterday, she put forward a great plan.
Yes, you can say No one put forward a solution. This means nobody had any ideas.
It is used in both, but it is slightly more common in British English, especially in formal settings.
Yes, it means to nominate them. I'd like to put forward Sarah for the lead role.
People sometimes say put front, which is wrong. Always use forward.
Not quite. Bring forward usually means moving a scheduled event to an earlier time, like bringing forward a meeting.
Related Phrases
Come up with
To think of an idea or plan.
Lay out
To explain a plan or idea in detail.
Submit a proposal
To formally give a plan to someone for approval.
Toss around
To discuss ideas informally within a group.
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