What word is used to make a motion?

• A. Propose
• B. Move
• C. Offer
• D. Present

Answer: (B)

In parliamentary procedure, the act of bringing a proposal before the group is done by saying you move it. The formal way to initiate a motion is to state “I move that…” or “I move to…,” which places the item before the assembly for consideration and a vote. This makes move the standard, procedural verb for starting a motion.

The other words aren’t the formal term used to initiate a motion in Robert’s Rules. Propose, offer, or present are everyday verbs, but they aren’t the official language that starts a motion under the rules. Once you say “I move…,” the motion is open for a second, discussion, and eventual decision.