Mark的公司打算向客户Sherry提一个新的案子。开会中,大家商讨谁来负责这个提案。Mark自告奋勇说:“I’ll propose to her.” 话一出口,一片静默,Mark才发现讲错了,真糗。
“I’ll propose to her.”不是「我来提提案给她」,而是「我要向她求婚」。当然大家还是懂,只是这种错误让人尴尬罢了。今天来看看propose这个单词,怎么用才对。
I’ll propose to her.
(X)我来提提案给她。
(O)我要向她求婚。
propose有「提案、建议、打算做某件事」的意思,为及物动词,后面接名词:
She proposed a boycott of the meeting.
(她提议抵制这次会议。)
可以接动名词:
I proposed dealing directly with the suppliers.
(我提议直接和供应商打交道。)
接不定词:
What do you propose to do next?
(你打算下一步怎么做?)
propose还有「提名」的意思:
I proposed Mr. Hunter for the job.
(我提议汉特先生来做这工作。)
当成不及物动词,后面加介词,propose to someone,意思就变成「求婚」,例如:
She proposed to me on my birthday.
(我生日的时候,她向我求婚啦。)
propose的名词proposal也有两种意思,一是「提案」,二是「求婚」。例如:
I'll send you an email with the details of the proposal.
(我email给你提案的细节。)
She has had a proposal.
(已经有人向她求婚了。)
I'd like to propose a toast.
(X)我要献上一份吐司。
(O)我想举杯庆祝。
toast是「干杯」,例如:
We all drank a toast to the bride and groom.
(我们大家向新娘新郎敬酒。)
propose a toast是「举杯庆祝」。
I'd like to propose a toast to us - the best is yet to come.
(我想跟大家干杯,敬美好的未来。)
Propose vs. put forward
propose是很正式的字眼,在日常口语中,提出计划、想法时,更常见的用法是put forward。
The idea was first put forward by a German scientist.
(这想法一开始是由一名德国科学家提出来的。)
Mark在会中想表达,他来提案,可以这样说:
I’ll put forward a proposal.
(我来提提案。)
提醒: