write a proposal

Meaning

This expression refers to the act of drafting a formal written document that puts forward an idea, plan, or bid for consideration by others, such as clients, managers, or stakeholders. It outlines the scope of work, budget, and timeline for a project. It is a fundamental task in project management, sales, and business development.

Examples

• I need to write a proposal for the client by Friday afternoon.

  I need to write a proposal for the client by Friday afternoon.

• Our team spent two weeks trying to write a proposal that would win the government contract.

  Our team spent two weeks trying to write a proposal that would win the government contract.

• Before we can start the project, we have to write a proposal for the board of directors.

  Before we can start the project, we have to write a proposal for the board of directors.

• She was asked to write a proposal outlining how to reduce departmental waste.

  She was asked to write a proposal outlining how to reduce departmental waste.

• If you have a good idea for the new app, write a proposal and present it to the product manager.

  If you have a good idea for the new app, write a proposal and present it to the product manager.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make a proposal for the new project.

  ✓ I need to write a proposal for the new project.

  While you can 'make a proposal' (often meaning an oral suggestion or marriage offer), the standard collocation for drafting the actual document is 'write a proposal' or 'draft a proposal'.

• ✗ He wrote a proposal to the client.

  ✓ He wrote a proposal for the client.

  You write a proposal 'for' someone to review, or 'to' a company, but 'for' is the most natural preposition when referring to the intended recipient of the service or project.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The manager asked me to ___ for the budget increase.

  💡 draft a formal plan or request

  Show answer

  write a proposal

• We need to ___ before we can secure funding from the investors.

  💡 create a document outlining our project plan

  Show answer

  write a proposal