What does "put forward" mean?
"Put forward" means to propose or suggest something formally. Here's how to use this phrase in professional and everyday English.
What it means
To propose, suggest, or nominate something or someone - especially in a formal or professional context.
"She put forward a proposal at the board meeting."
"He was put forward for the award by his colleagues."
"I'd like to put forward an idea."
"They put forward several solutions to the problem."
What it implies
You're offering something for consideration by others. More formal than "suggest."
Separable
"Put forward the idea." β / "Put the idea forward." β / "Put it forward." β
Put someone forward
To nominate a person:
"I'd like to put you forward for the leadership programme."
Put forward the clocks
To change clocks for daylight saving:
"Don't forget to put the clocks forward this weekend." (spring - lose an hour)
"Put the clocks back." (autumn - gain an hour)
A native would say
- "Suggest" - everyday, less formal
- "Propose" - formal: "I propose we extend the deadline."
- "Table" - in British English means to put on the agenda; in American English means to postpone (opposite!)
Register
Professional and formal. Common in meetings and written proposals.
What does "put forward" mean?
To propose, suggest, or nominate something or someone - especially in a formal or professional context.
"She put forward a proposal at the board meeting."
"He was put forward for the award by his colleagues."
"I'd like to put forward an idea."
"They put forward several solutions to the problem."
Is "put forward" formal or informal?
Professional and formal. Common in meetings and written proposals.
What's another way to say "put forward"?
- "Suggest" - everyday, less formal
- "Propose" - formal: "I propose we extend the deadline."
- "Table" - in British English means to put on the agenda; in American English means to postpone (opposite!)
Phrasal verbs are one of the hardest parts of English to master.
LLH Tutor explains them in plain language, so you know exactly when and how to use each one.
Save to your vocabulary