foreslå

Foreslå is a verb used in several Scandinavian languages, most commonly Norwegian Bokmål and Danish, with a cognate form in Swedish written as föreslå. The core meaning is to present an idea, plan, or action for consideration or approval. In both formal and informal contexts, it is used to introduce proposals, recommendations, or options. In many uses it can introduce a subordinate clause, such as what should be done next or what course of action to take.

Conjugation and forms vary by language. In Norwegian Bokmål, the infinitive is å foreslå; present foreslår; past foreslo; past participle foreslått; imperative foreslå. In Danish, infinitive foreslå; present foreslår; past foreslog; past participle foreslået. In Swedish, infinitive föreslå; present föreslår; past föreslog; supine föreslagit; imperative föreslå. The Swedish spelling uses the ö character, whereas Norwegian and Danish use o-based forms.

Usage notes and examples. Norwegian: “Jeg foreslår en ny plan.” or “Kan du foreslå noen endringer?” Swedish: “Jag föreslår en lösning.” or “Föreslå gärna en annan idé.” Swedish also allows the construction föreslå att … to introduce a clause, as in “Jag föreslår att vi börjar tidigare.” Danish: “Jeg foreslår en ny plan.” or “Vil du foreslå ændringer?” The verb is typically transitive and can take a direct object (a proposal, plan, or solution) and/or a subordinate clause indicating what should be done.

See also: proposal, recommendation, motion.