I am contemplating "doing" this or that or the other thing.
I am contemplating "making" a trip to the islands.

I am proposing to do a show.

So, first I'm contemplating making a trip to the islands, and once I've made my mind up, I propose to make the trip to my girl friend.

Great, so I wasn't too far off the mark, then, it seems.

'nuther one: "intend" always with "to", innit? So I intend to make the trip after having contemplated making it and after having proposed to make the trip ...

Yep, you got it, man.
"I am still alive and I'm intending to keep it that way, otherwise all my retirement plans would be screwed up." :-)))

Right, seems like I have one of my brighter moments which are few and far between ...

contemplate only with a gerund (ing)

propose with either, but apply the doubl-ing rule: in other words, try to avoid having two -ing words in immediate succession.

But there is another difference.

"I propose to do x" means that "I" am the subject of "to do". "I propose doing x" does not.

Right - my brighter moment seems to be over again :-(

""I propose to do x" means that "I" am the subject of "to do". "I propose doing x" does not." - what????

I propose to make tea now: this means I am going to get up and make tea.

I propose making tea now: I suggest that someone should make tea.

OK, right ...

Which one should I use if both I and the other person would be the subject - I suggest that both my girl friend and I make a trip?

And in escoville's second example one might use the construction

"I propose that you make tea now."

This construction, however, can also be used with "I", or any other subject, of course.

You're right with

contemplate ____ing
intend to

However, 'propose' can go either way:

propose to / propose ____ing

There's a difference in meaning. 'Propose to' is a rather formal way to say 'intend to' or 'plan to':

I propose to review gerunds and infinitives as soon as I have time.

'Propose ____ing' means 'suggest ____ing':

He proposed taking the scenic route.

Especially in more serious contexts, it's often better to express this sense with the present subjunctive:

He proposed that his law firm invest in a small reference library.


Notice that with 'propose to,' the following verb has the same subject, but with 'propose ___ing' or 'propose that so. do sth.' the following verb refers to a different subject, a different actor.

Hope that helps. (-:

*f5* Sorry, didn't realize that escoville and Phillipp had already sprung into the breach. But clearly I agree. (-:

@ bacon

The -ing does not exclude "I" as the subject. So you're safe with -ing.

Hey guys, you can slice it, dice it, puree it or spin it all day. Nobody would say "I propose to make tea" unless, of course, you are mumbling to yourself :-))))

(Occupational hazard?)

Thanks a bunch - I especially like this present subjunctive thingy "He proposed that his law firm invest in a small reference library." and will propose that this be used in the agreement ;-)

Two more examples with 'we,' in case it helps:

We propose to accept their offer.
(= We plan to do it. This is our intention.)

I propose that we accept their offer.
(= I suggest doing it. I think it would be good for us to do.)

I also agree with Helmi that 'propose to' is formal and relatively uncommon. If you want to be 100% sure that people will understand that sense, stick with 'intend to.'

>>will propose that this be used

Very nice. (-:

Well, as this will be a sentence in an agreement (and the other party proposed using "propose" ...), I'm contemplating leaving "propose" in ;-)

Erm, well ...

@ Helmi

Speak for yourself. I may not often say "I propose to make tea." but I quite often say "I propose to do xyz."