put forward

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to propose, suggest, or present an idea, theory, argument, or plan for consideration. In academic discourse, scholars use it when introducing a new hypothesis, model, or viewpoint to be analyzed or debated by the academic community.

Examples

• In 1915, Albert Einstein put forward the general theory of relativity.

  In 1915, Albert Einstein put forward the general theory of relativity.

• Several interesting hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon.

  Several interesting hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon.

• The committee put forward a new proposal to restructure the academic department.

  The committee put forward a new proposal to restructure the academic department.

• She put forward a compelling argument during the debate on economic policy.

  She put forward a compelling argument during the debate on economic policy.

• We need to evaluate the theories put forward by previous researchers before designing our study.

  We need to evaluate the theories put forward by previous researchers before designing our study.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He put to forward a new theory during the lecture.

  ✓ He put forward a new theory during the lecture.

  Do not insert the preposition 'to' between the verb 'put' and the adverb 'forward'.

• ✗ The proposal was putted forward by the student union.

  ✓ The proposal was put forward by the student union.

  'Put' is an irregular verb. Its past tense and past participle forms are both 'put', never 'putted'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The researcher ___ a novel hypothesis regarding the brain's plasticity.

  💡 Proposed or suggested an idea.

  Show answer

  put forward

• We must carefully examine the arguments ___ by the opposition.

  💡 Presented or suggested (used here as a past participle).

  Show answer

  put forward