Phrasal verb
put forward
Definition
phrasal verb. to suggest an idea, plan, or person so that others can think about or discuss them.
phrasal verb. to propose an idea, theory, or candidate for consideration. Transitive; frequently employed in professional or academic contexts to introduce a proposal into a discussion.
Examples
“She put forward a new plan for the project.”
“During the board meeting, the director put forward a proposal to increase the marketing budget for the next quarter.”
“The research team put forward several hypotheses to explain the unexpected results of the clinical trial, though none have been definitively proven yet.”
Examples
simple
“She put forward a new plan for the project.”
contextual
“During the board meeting, the director put forward a proposal to increase the marketing budget for the next quarter.”
complex
“The research team put forward several hypotheses to explain the unexpected results of the clinical trial, though none have been definitively proven yet.”
Usage
The object can be placed after 'forward' or between 'put' and 'forward'.
Teaching tip
Useful for teaching academic and business English as a more natural-sounding alternative to 'propose' in spoken discussions.
Pitfall
He put forward to a suggestion.
He put forward a suggestion.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
forward
Separability
optional
Pattern
put + forward + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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