put forward

suggest an idea, plan, or name for people to consider

B2

What does "put sth forward" mean?

To put forward an idea, plan, or name means to offer it for other people to consider and respond to. The phrase captures something slightly more collaborative than simply deciding — you are placing something into a shared space, inviting discussion or approval. It is most at home in professional, academic, and political settings: a committee member putting forward a motion, a researcher putting forward a theory, or a manager putting forward a proposal. While it overlaps with 'suggest' and 'propose', 'put forward' often carries a slightly tentative, open-handed tone — the implication is that others will have a say. It works equally well in speech and writing, though it leans toward the formal end of the scale.

Examples

How to use it

put forward + noun phrase (idea/plan/name)

The most common pattern: use 'put forward' followed by the thing being proposed, such as an idea, plan, argument, or candidate.

The committee put forward a series of recommendations to improve workplace safety.

put + pronoun + forward

When the object is a pronoun, it must always go between 'put' and 'forward' — it cannot follow the particle.

She had a strong idea and decided to put it forward at the next meeting.

put + short noun phrase + forward

Short noun phrases can also be placed between the verb and particle, though longer ones typically follow 'forward'.

He put the proposal forward before anyone else had a chance to speak.

be put forward (passive)

The passive is very natural and common, especially in formal writing and reporting, when the focus is on the idea rather than who suggested it.

Several alternative approaches were put forward during the panel discussion.

put oneself forward (as + role/candidate)

Used reflexively to mean nominating or presenting yourself as a candidate for a position.

Not many people were willing to put themselves forward for the role of team leader.

Common Collocations

a proposalan ideaa plana suggestiona namean argument

Common Mistakes

Pronoun placed after the particle

When the object is a pronoun, it must go between 'put' and 'forward'. Placing it after 'forward' is always incorrect.

✗ She liked the idea and put forward it immediately.
✓ She liked the idea and put it forward immediately.
Confusing the scheduling sense with the proposing sense

In British English, 'put forward' can also mean moving a date or time to an earlier point, but this is a completely separate meaning. When your object is an idea, plan, argument, or person — not a time or event — you are using the 'propose' sense.

Using the present continuous

Unlike many verbs, 'put forward' in the proposing sense sounds unnatural in continuous tenses. Use the simple present or simple past instead.

✗ She is currently putting forward a plan to the board.
✓ She put forward a plan to the board this morning.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral-to-formal and is especially common in business, academic, and political contexts. It is used in both British and American English, though in British English it can also mean 'move a date to an earlier time', which is a completely different meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'put forward' be used to nominate a person, not just an idea?

Yes — 'put forward' is commonly used for both ideas and people. You can put forward a candidate, a name, or even yourself for a role or position. This is slightly more formal than 'put up', which has a similar meaning when nominating people but is less common in professional or written contexts.

Is 'put forward' more formal than 'suggest'?

It sits between 'suggest' and 'propose' on the formality scale. In everyday conversation, 'suggest' or 'bring up' tend to sound more natural, while 'put forward' fits well in meetings, reports, academic papers, and political discussion. You would rarely hear it in casual chat between friends.

What kinds of things can you 'put forward'?

The most common objects are idea-type nouns: a proposal, a plan, a suggestion, an argument, a theory, a recommendation, or a solution. You can also put forward a name or candidate when nominating someone. Avoid using it with time-related objects like 'a meeting' or 'a deadline', as that triggers a different British English meaning about rescheduling.

Can 'put forward' be used in the passive?

Yes, and quite naturally. The passive form 'was/were put forward' is especially common in formal writing such as meeting minutes, reports, and academic papers, where the focus is on the proposal itself rather than who made it. For example: 'A number of objections were put forward during the review.'

Does 'put forward' have the same meaning in both British and American English?

The 'propose or suggest' meaning is used in both varieties. However, the additional sense of moving a date or scheduled event to an earlier time is mainly British English and is not commonly used in American English. As long as your object is an idea, plan, or person, the meaning is the same everywhere.

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