Propose vs. Proposed — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
"Propose" is the act of suggesting or putting forward an idea or plan for consideration, whereas "proposed" is the past tense or past participle form, indicating that the suggestion has already been made.
Difference Between Propose and Proposed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Propose is a verb that refers to the action of suggesting something, such as a plan, idea, or marriage, for consideration or discussion. It's about presenting something new for evaluation or acceptance. On the other hand, "proposed" is used to describe something that has been suggested or offered in the past.
In a business context, to propose means to put forward a business idea or plan for consideration. Meanwhile, a proposed plan is one that has been submitted for review and is awaiting decision or approval. This distinction highlights the action of suggesting versus the state of having suggested.
In terms of formal or legal contexts, proposals are plans or suggestions put forward for consideration or discussion by a group, committee, or legislative body. Once a proposal is made, it becomes a proposed amendment, law, or policy, indicating that the suggestion has been formally submitted but not yet enacted or accepted.
The process of proposing involves the present or future action of suggesting ideas, while the term "proposed" is often used to refer back to suggestions made in the past. For instance, when a committee discusses a proposed regulation, they are considering a suggestion that has already been made.
Understanding the difference between propose and proposed is crucial for clear communication, especially in contexts where the timing and status of suggestions, plans, or ideas are important. While "propose" implies the act of suggesting, "proposed" signifies that the suggestion has already occurred, situating it in the past.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Adjective (when used with a noun); Past tense/past participle (when used as a verb)
Tense
Present
Past
Context
Suggesting an idea, plan, or action for the first time.
Referring to an idea, plan, or action that has already been suggested.
Example Usage
"They propose to increase the budget for education."
"The proposed budget increase for education is under review."
Implication
Implies the initiation of an idea or suggestion.
Indicates that the suggestion has been made and is now being considered or has been considered.
Compare with Definitions
Propose
To intend or plan to do something.
They propose to launch the product by next month.
Proposed
Planned or intended.
The proposed meeting time is Thursday at 3 PM.
Propose
To offer a motion or resolution.
The senator proposes an amendment to the bill.
Proposed
Suggested for consideration or action.
The proposed changes to the law will be debated tomorrow.
Propose
To suggest someone for a position or duty.
I propose John as the committee chair.
Proposed
Designated or mentioned as a suggestion.
The proposed site for the new hospital is downtown.
Propose
To present for consideration, adoption, or action.
He proposed a new approach to the problem.
Proposed
Offered for consideration or adoption.
The proposed budget has been submitted for approval.
Propose
To suggest a plan or idea for consideration.
She proposes to reorganize the department for better efficiency.
Proposed
Having been suggested but not yet decided.
The proposed solution to the issue is still under discussion.
Propose
Put forward (a plan or suggestion) for consideration by others
I proposed that the government should retain a 51 per cent stake in the company
He proposed a new nine-point peace plan
Proposed
To put forward for consideration, discussion, or adoption; suggest
Propose a change in the law.
Propose
Make an offer of marriage to someone
I have already proposed to Sarah
One girl proposed marriage to him on the spot
Proposed
To recommend (a person) for a position, office, or membership; nominate.
Propose
To put forward for consideration, discussion, or adoption; suggest
Propose a change in the law.
Proposed
To offer (a toast to be drunk).
Propose
To recommend (a person) for a position, office, or membership; nominate.
Proposed
To make known as one's intention; purpose or intend
Proposed to buy and run a farm.
Propose
To offer (a toast to be drunk).
Proposed
To form or make a proposal, especially of marriage.
Propose
To make known as one's intention; purpose or intend
Proposed to buy and run a farm.
Proposed
Simple past tense and past participle of propose
Propose
To form or make a proposal, especially of marriage.
Proposed
Planned for the future;
The first volume of a proposed series
Propose
(transitive) To suggest a plan, course of action, etc.
I propose going to see a film.
To propose an alliance
To propose a question for discussion
Propose
To ask for a person's hand in marriage.
He proposed to her last night and she accepted him.
Propose
(transitive) To intend.
He proposes to set up his own business.
Propose
(obsolete) To talk; to converse.
Propose
(obsolete) To set forth.
Propose
(obsolete) An objective or aim.
Propose
To set forth.
That being proposed brimfull of wine, one scarce could lift it up.
Propose
To offer for consideration, discussion, acceptance, or adoption; as, to propose terms of peace; to propose a question for discussion; to propose an alliance; to propose a person for office.
Propose
To set before one's self or others as a purpose formed; hence, to purpose; to intend.
I propose to relate, in several volumes, the history of the people of New England.
Propose
To speak; to converse.
There shalt thou find my cousin Beatrice,Proposing with the prince and Claudio.
Propose
To form or declare a purpose or intention; to lay a scheme; to design; as, man proposes, but God disposes.
Propose
To offer one's self in marriage.
Propose
Talk; discourse.
Propose
Make a proposal, declare a plan for something
Propose
Present for consideration
Propose
Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon
Propose
Put forward; nominate for appointment to an office;
The President nominated her as head of the Civil Rights Commission
Propose
Ask (someone) to marry you;
He popped the question on Sunday night
She proposed marriage to the man she had known for only two months
The old bachelor finally declared himself to the young woman
Common Curiosities
Can "propose" be used in a personal context?
Yes, "propose" can be used in personal contexts, such as proposing marriage or proposing a personal plan or idea to someone.
What does it mean to propose something?
To propose something means to suggest a plan, idea, or action for consideration or discussion.
Can "proposed" be used to describe something definitively decided?
No, "proposed" indicates that something has been suggested but not yet finalized or decided.
What is the process from proposing to a proposal being accepted?
The process involves suggesting an idea (proposing), discussing and evaluating it, and then making a decision on whether to accept, modify, or reject the proposed idea.
Is a "proposed" idea always accepted?
No, a "proposed" idea is not always accepted; it must go through a review or decision-making process.
How does "proposed" relate to decisions?
"Proposed" is used to describe suggestions or plans that have been made and are awaiting or undergoing a decision-making process.
Can "propose" imply future intentions?
Yes, "propose" can imply future intentions when it's used to indicate plans or intentions to do something.
How do you indicate something has been proposed in the past?
By using "proposed," indicating that the suggestion or proposal was made at an earlier time.
What is a proposed plan?
A proposed plan is one that has been suggested and is currently under consideration or review.
Is there a difference in formality between "propose" and "proposed"?
The formality is not necessarily in the words themselves but in their application. "Propose" is more about the action of suggesting, while "proposed" often appears in formal contexts where suggestions have been formally submitted for consideration.
What does a "proposed amendment" mean?
A "proposed amendment" refers to a suggested change to a document, law, or constitution that is under consideration but has not been enacted or adopted yet.
What is the significance of proposing in a meeting or assembly?
Proposing in a meeting or assembly is significant because it initiates discussion, debate, or voting on a new idea, plan, or action.
How does "propose" function in a legislative context?
In a legislative context, to propose is to introduce a bill, amendment, or resolution for consideration by a legislative body.
What is the role of feedback in the proposing process?
Feedback is crucial as it helps refine, adjust, or improve the proposed idea, plan, or action based on input from others.
How does one move from a "proposed" stage to implementation?
Moving from a "proposed" stage to implementation involves approval or consensus from the relevant parties or decision-makers, followed by planning and executing the proposal.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
