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zangyou wo herasu houhou wo katyou ni teiansimasita.

残業ざんぎょう　を　減へらす　方法ほうほう　を　課長かちょう　に　提案ていあんしました。zangyou wo herasu houhou wo katyou ni teiansimasita.
I proposed to the section chief a method to reduce overtime.
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Questions & Answers about zangyou wo herasu houhou wo katyou ni teiansimasita.

Why are there two を particles in 残業を減らす方法を課長に提案しました?

The first を marks the direct object of the verb 減らす (“to reduce”):
 • 残業を減らす = “to reduce overtime.”
The second を marks the direct object of the main verb 提案しました (“proposed”):
 • 方法を提案しました = “proposed a method.”
In Japanese you can nest verbs inside noun phrases (see next question), so you end up with two separate を’s for two different verbs.

What is the structure of 残業を減らす方法?

This is a relative clause modifying 方法:

 [残業を減らす] + 方法
 (“the method [that] reduces overtime”)

Every clause that describes or limits a noun comes before that noun in Japanese. Here:
 • 残業を減らす = “(one) reduces overtime”
 • 方法 = “method”

Put together, 残業を減らす方法 = “the method to reduce overtime.”

Why is 課長に used instead of 課長を?

に marks the indirect object or recipient of an action. With 提案する (“to propose, suggest”), you propose something to someone. So:

 • 課長に提案する = “propose to the section chief.”

If you used を, it would incorrectly mark 課長 as the direct object of 提案する, which doesn’t fit since you’re suggesting the method, not “proposing the chief.”

Why is the subject omitted in this sentence?
Japanese often drops (omits) subjects when they’re clear from context. In a business e-mail or conversation, if you’re the one writing or speaking, it’s natural to leave out 私 (“I”). The sentence simply states the action without restating who did it.
What is the nuance difference between 減らす and 減る?

These are the transitive and intransitive pairs:
 • 減らす (transitive): “to decrease [something]” – you do the action.
 • 減る (intransitive): “to decrease/get reduced” – it happens by itself or due to circumstances.
Here, you actively “reduce overtime,” so you need 減らす.

Could you replace 方法 with another word like やり方?

Yes, やり方 also means “way/method.” But nuance differs slightly:
 • 方法 is more formal or technical (“method, procedure”).
 • やり方 is more conversational (“how to do it”).
In a business context, 方法 sounds more professional.

Why is the verb in the polite past form 提案しました? Could it be 提案した?

Both are grammatically correct:
 • 提案しました = polite, respectful tone appropriate in business.
 • 提案した = plain past, less formal.
In workplace emails or reports, ～しました is preferred to maintain politeness toward the reader (often superiors).