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propose

English translation: http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/ING4.CFM

11:27 Jun 29, 2011
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Bus/Financial - Law: Patents, Trademarks, Copyright
English term or phrase: propose
hi, everybody out there - especiallly native speakers BE and AE:-)
From my studies (English language teacher + foreign language correspondent) I just KNOW that there is a difference:
propose + to + infinitive --- intend (e.g. in a letter to a client: We propose to amend all claims)
propose + gerund --- suggest (e.g. in a letter to a client: We propose amending all claims)
I just cannot find any written "proof" for the distinction in meaning on the web - and I need it badly because the difference is not just marginal.
Could pleeeeeze anyone confirm and ideally let me have a hint re where I could find the "proof" black on white???
eternally grateful!!!!!
Christiane
Christiane Lawatsch
Local time: 16:35
Selected answer:http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/ING4.CFM
Explanation:
try this


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Note added at 10 mins (2011-06-29 11:38:21 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

The first has a video explanation

http://www.toobrain.com/Fach/5,Englisch/30,Grammatik/658,Ger...

http://www.ego4u.de/de/cram-up/grammar/infinitive-gerund
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/exercises_list/gerund_infiniti...
http://www.ego4u.de/de/business-english/grammar/infinitive-g...


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 20 mins (2011-06-29 11:48:00 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

We proposed watching the races instead of participating in them. As in nearly all -ing uses, the action is moving towards a certain goal or intention which is not yet completed. In the case of "propose", in AE it is rarely followed by the infinitive, but by the direct object:

I propose we amend...
They proposed we take the train. They proposed taking the train.
She proposed to him, not he to her. (joking)
The judge proposed he wait out the end of his prison sentence.

I hope this is of some assistance!

This is absolute AE
Selected response from:

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 16:35
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4 +5http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/ING4.CFM
Ramey Rieger (X)
5 +3vorschlagen
Jaime Hyland
5 +2intend/suggest
Donna Stevens


Discussion entries: 2





  

Answers


8 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +3
propose + to + infinitive vs. propose + gerund
vorschlagen


Explanation:
To propose to do something suggests that the speaker will be the actor (i.e. the speaker is suggesting that he or she himself do something.

With "to propose doing somethng", the speaker is merely suggesting that something be done by somebody.

You're right -- the difference is not minor.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 mins (2011-06-29 11:38:54 GMT)
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Sorry about the unclosed bracket there!

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Note added at 16 mins (2011-06-29 11:43:25 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

"To propose to do sth" can also be a formal way of informing someone of your (provisional) intention to do something.

e.g. "What I propose to do is to get in the car and drive out to Jane as soon as possible and have a chat with her. Have you got a better suggestion?"

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Note added at 17 mins (2011-06-29 11:44:57 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

I'm pretty confident, my suggestion applies to both AE and BE.

Jaime Hyland
Local time: 16:35
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Ramey Rieger (X): yes, VERY confident!
13 mins
  -> I'm an English teacher too Ramey. Your later links are right, but the first one isn't. It gives two examples with a gerund. To propose to do something is indeed an expression of an intention unless given a reason not to. It invites an alternative.
agree  Tony M: Up to a point; the form with to + infinitive can only be used when the speaker is also the actor; the version using the gerund can be used in this or other cases. I think any other difference is subtle and far from clear-cut.
26 mins
  -> Thanks Tony M.
agree  Thayenga: In this case... :)
2 hrs
  -> Ta, Thayenga
agree  Thuy-PTT (X)
13 days
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6 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +5
propose + to + infinitive vs. propose + gerund
http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/ING4.CFM


Explanation:
try this


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 10 mins (2011-06-29 11:38:21 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

The first has a video explanation

http://www.toobrain.com/Fach/5,Englisch/30,Grammatik/658,Ger...

http://www.ego4u.de/de/cram-up/grammar/infinitive-gerund
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/exercises_list/gerund_infiniti...
http://www.ego4u.de/de/business-english/grammar/infinitive-g...


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 20 mins (2011-06-29 11:48:00 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

We proposed watching the races instead of participating in them. As in nearly all -ing uses, the action is moving towards a certain goal or intention which is not yet completed. In the case of "propose", in AE it is rarely followed by the infinitive, but by the direct object:

I propose we amend...
They proposed we take the train. They proposed taking the train.
She proposed to him, not he to her. (joking)
The judge proposed he wait out the end of his prison sentence.

I hope this is of some assistance!

This is absolute AE

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 16:35
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Jaime Hyland: The first explanation here is neither clear, nor does it seem to be correct (as I understand it). I've changed my neutral to agree. But to propose to do, while it expresses an intention, it contains important extra meaning.
4 mins
  -> AE or BE? I speak, teach, live AE//Yes, there is certain formality involved, but the usage is uncommon. Thank-you and be well!
agree  Tony M: I agree that the form with a direct object + verb is common in AE, and quite widely accepted in BE too. This form is necessary where the speaker is proposing that something be done by someone other than themselves. But doesn't really address the question.
24 mins
  -> Yes, as in all "suggestion" words: recommend, insist, require, request, suggest, which transfer the final decision to another party or are open to discussion
agree  Phong Le
2 hrs
  -> Many thanks, Phong Le!
agree  Thayenga: Enjoy your day, Ramey. :)
2 hrs
  -> You, too Thayenga! Thank-you!
agree  eski
5 hrs
  -> Thank you, eski!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +2
intend/suggest


Explanation:
Here's your proof: Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary (online)
It applies to Br and AE.


    Reference: http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/p...
Donna Stevens
Norway
Local time: 16:35
Native speaker of: English

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Tina Vonhof (X): Proof is what the asker wanted.
2 hrs
  -> Thanks!
agree  Jaime Hyland: indeed, but the usage of the infinitive involves more than a nuance inviting the listener to offer an alternative. At best it expresses a provisional intention.
4 hrs
  -> Thanks! That may be true, but the asker only wanted proof.
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