What does "put forward" mean (sense 1)?

To suggest or present an idea, plan, or argument for others to discuss or consider Example: "The research team put forward a new theory about the cause of the disease."

What does "put forward" mean (sense 2)?

To nominate or recommend a person for a position, role, or award Example: "She was put forward as a candidate for the position of department head."

What does "put forward" mean (sense 3)?

To move clocks to a later time, as in daylight saving time (British English) Example: "Remember to put your clocks forward one hour this Sunday — the time changes tonight."

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put forward

B1 formal separable transitive

To suggest or nominate an idea, plan, or person for consideration by others

In plain English

To offer an idea, suggestion, or person for others to think about and decide on

What does "put forward" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 formal

common

To suggest or present an idea, plan, or argument for others to discuss or consider

"The research team put forward a new theory about the cause of the disease."

separable

2 B1 formal

common

To nominate or recommend a person for a position, role, or award

"She was put forward as a candidate for the position of department head."

separable

3 B1 neutral

uncommon

To move clocks to a later time, as in daylight saving time (British English)

"Remember to put your clocks forward one hour this Sunday — the time changes tonight."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To place something in a forward position — presenting it ahead of others for attention

Actually means

To offer an idea, suggestion, or person for others to think about and decide on

Usage tip

More formal than 'suggest'. Common in meetings, debates, academic writing, and politics. Can also refer to moving clocks forward (putting clocks forward in daylight saving time). The object can be placed between 'put' and 'forward' or after 'forward'.

Words that pair with "put forward"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

idea proposal theory candidate plan argument motion

How to conjugate "put forward"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

put forward

I/you/we/they

3rd person

puts forward

he/she/it

Past simple

put forward

yesterday

Past participle

put forward

have + pp

-ing form

putting forward

continuous

Hear "put forward" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "put forward" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "put forward"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

advance nominate propose recommend suggest table

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "put" All phrasal verbs with "forward" More B1-level phrasal verbs