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SCMP Reporter

Do you know the difference between 'propose' and 'proposition'?

Propose (v) - put forward

You propose a plan or idea  for people to think about.

Proposition (n) - an idea

It is something which is put forward for discussion.

I have visited the government exhibition and seen the three proposals for West Kowloon. It is also interesting to see the alternatives. I have never before seen organisations [like Swire Properties] propose something that goes against the grain. I don't know of any developer in Britain that would attempt it; it is suicidal in a way.

'There is a tradition that whenever a new governor or chief executive moves in, they conduct some landscape improvement work ... I want to use this opportunity to propose there should be a fish pond, and the designer also believes it is appropriate to integrate it with the present design,' he said.

Officials propose transforming private doctors who currently operate as individual businessmen into a primary health-care system, something that is usually developed and financially supported by governments in the countries where it is effective.

Ultimately, he said, oil must be rationed - a proposition consumers might accept when the cost of oil rockets. Beyond regulation, we should invest in substitute energy forms such as solar and wind power.

Samsung's promotional material enthuses that 'customers lead adventurous lives and they want to capture every second of it on video'. Ignoring that slightly dubious proposition, I was certainly captivated at the prospect of filming an as-it-happens downhill mountain bike ride.

Obviously, wind is not a realistic proposition to power Hong Kong and, frankly, news services that continue to give air time to the proponents of wind power are doing a great disservice to the people of Hong Kong. We are intelligent and know that wind power is not viable.

Task:

Fill in the blanks with the correct word: propose (use the correct form of the verb) or proposition.

1. The Education Department has ____________ to close all primary schools with a low student intake.

2. The US has __________ to evacuate its troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

3. The government has  ___________ a 3+3+4 education system to better equip the students with essential skills.

4. It is not a practical ________________ for the West Kowloon arts hub project to have such a huge canopy, critics say.

5. The teacher has ____________ to meet the students twice a year to discuss their academic progress.

6. The new infrastructure development project is a risky _______________.

Answers: 1. proposed 2. proposed 3. proposed 4. proposition 5. proposed 6. proposition



Helpful tips on tricky words