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personal law of the child
These evidence
Jun 29, 2011 11:27
12 yrs ago
11 viewers *
English term

propose

English Bus/Financial Law: Patents, Trademarks, Copyright
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
Responses
4 +5 http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/ING4.CFM
5 +3 vorschlagen
5 +2 intend/suggest
Change log

Jun 29, 2011 11:37: Ingo Dierkschnieder changed "Term asked" from "propose + to + infinitive vs. propose + gerund" to "propose"

Jun 29, 2011 11:55: Steffen Walter changed "Language pair" from "German to English" to "English"

Discussion

Ramey Rieger (X) Jun 29, 2011:
@Christiane The first link is probably the weakest in the chain, but the fourth could give you some ideas. As an alternative to "propose amending" you could very well use "propose the amendment of all claims" which would put the direct object where it belongs.
Steffen Walter Jun 29, 2011:
English monolingual This is a monolingual English ("English to English") question, rather than German to English. I've edited the language pair accordingly.

Responses

+5
6 mins
English term (edited): propose + to + infinitive vs. propose + gerund
Selected

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

try this


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


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Note added at 20 mins (2011-06-29 11:48:00 GMT)
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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
Peer comment(s):
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!
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Selected automatically based on peer agreement."
+3
8 mins
English term (edited): propose + to + infinitive vs. propose + gerund

vorschlagen

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.

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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)
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"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)
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I'm pretty confident, my suggestion applies to both AE and BE.
Peer comment(s):
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
Something went wrong...
+2
1 hr

intend/suggest

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

http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/propose

Peer comment(s):
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.
Something went wrong...
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