put forward
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle forward
Meanings
Propose or suggest
Why “forward”? An idea is presented, or a person volunteers, for others to consider.
“He put forward a new idea at the meeting.”
“Nina put forward a cheaper plan.”
“Several theories have been put forward to explain the data.”
“Leo put forward a new schedule during the office meeting.”
Advance a clock
Why “forward”? An event is moved to an earlier time, or a clock is set to show a later time.
“We put the clocks forward in spring.”
“I put my watch forward by five minutes so I would not be late.”
“The kitchen clock had been put forward by ten minutes.”
Memory hook
You push the idea forward for others to consider.
Common mistake
She put forward with a plan.
She put forward a plan.
Put forward takes the object directly — no with.
Natural collocations
The word partners “put forward” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Put forward means propose or suggest. Put across means communicate clearly.
Test yourself
“He put forward a new idea at the meeting.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
put across
A contrast learners often mix up
Communicate clearly
bring forward
Same forward pattern: moving time
Move an event to an earlier time or date; Present information or an idea for people to consider
come forward
Same forward pattern: showing
Volunteer information or help, especially to authorities
step forward
Same forward pattern: showing
Volunteer to take responsibility or come into view
put aside
Same base verb: put
Save for a specific purpose; Ignore or set a feeling aside
put away
Same base verb: put
Return something to its proper place; Save money for later; Send someone to prison or a mental hospital
put back
Same base verb: put
Return something to where it was; Delay or postpone
put behind
Same base verb: put
Treat a difficult experience as no longer relevant
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