put forward — propose (an idea, suggestion, or plan) for consideration
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
to suggest an idea, plan, or opinion for other people to think about or discuss, especially in a formal or group setting.
Say it like a native
Textbook I should like to advance a proposition for the committee's deliberation.
Native I'd like to put forward a proposal.
'Put forward' is the natural (if slightly formal) verb for proposing an idea; 'advance a proposition' is pompous.
Pattern: put forward sth | put sth forward
In use
- During the meeting, she put forward a new strategy to improve team productivity.work
- In my opinion, it's important for employees to feel comfortable putting forward suggestions, as this can lead to innovation in the workplace.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She put forward of a new plan.
✓ She put forward a new plan. / She put a new plan forward.
'Put forward' takes the idea directly — no 'of'.
Common collocations
put forward + proposal— a proposal, an idea, a suggestion, a name
Don't confuse it
'Put forward' is more formal and deliberate than 'bring up' (which means to mention something casually). It is also less direct than 'propose', which can sound stronger or more official.