Offering ideas and solutions in a cooperative manner is made possible by making suggestions, which is a crucial component of communication. There are various polite and efficient ways to offer suggestions in English. This ability is crucial for suggesting ideas without pressuring people to accept them, which is useful in both personal and professional contexts. Gaining knowledge of the many expressions and formats for recommendations can help you express your ideas thoughtfully and clearly, which will improve interactions and results.
Subject + should/ought to + verb…
This is a very common method used by native speakers to offer guidance, recommendations, and advice.Although “should” is used more commonly, the meanings of “should” and “ought to” are fairly similar. You might want to keep in mind that an infinitive verb should always come after we should or ought to. In ordinary speech, “should” is more versatile, but “ought to” provides a somewhat greater sense of moral obligation or duty.
Examples:
-I will wake up early tomorrow, I should go to bed.
-She should call her grandmother. Today is her birthday.
-You look exhausted from work, I think you should work less hours.
-You ought to do more exercise.
-You ought to rest if you’re feel tired
-We ought to eat lots of fruit and vegetables every day.
Subject + could + verb…
English suggests using the pattern “Subject + could + verb…” in a normal and courteous manner. It is meant to suggest a course of action or concept without being overly assertive or direct. This form is particularly helpful because it enables you to thoughtfully give suggestions or solutions in both formal and informal settings. By stating “could,” you are expressing the suggestion’s optional nature.
Examples:
-You could take a different route to avoid traffic.
-We could meet for coffee tomorrow.
-He could ask for help if he’s unsure.
-They could try the new restaurant in town.
-She could start her project earlier to avoid last-minute stress.
-We could consider hiring more staff to handle the workload.
Why don’t/doesn’t + subject + verb…?
When offering advice or making casual comments in English, the pattern “Why don’t/doesn’t + subject + verb” is utilized. It is a warm and conversational approach to make a suggestion for a course of action, frequently with the implication that it is a sensible one. This form can be used to persuade someone to think about an alternative or take a specific action in a variety of settings, both personal and professional.
Examples:
-Why don’t you try calling him again?
-Why doesn’t she join us for dinner tonight?
-Why don’t we start the meeting a bit earlier?
-Why doesn’t he take a break and relax for a while?
-Why don’t they visit the new museum in town?
-Why doesn’t the company invest in new technology?
How about + gerund/noun…?
The structure “How about + gerund/noun” is used to make suggestions or propose ideas in a casual and inviting way. This form is particularly effective in encouraging others to consider an option or activity without being too forceful. It can be used in various settings, both personal and professional, to promote participation and discussion.
Examples:
-How about trying a new restaurant tonight?
-How about taking a short break?
-How about going to the beach this weekend?
-How about some coffee before the meeting?
-How about organizing a team lunch next week?
-How about a movie night on Friday?
I suggest/recommend that + sentence
The phrase “I suggest/recommend that + sentence” is used to directly but politely offer advice or recommend a particular course of action. This form can be used in academic, professional, and personal contexts since it works very well in both formal and casual settings. Using this format demonstrates that you are offering a thoughtful opinion or piece of advice based on your expertise.
Examples:
-I suggest that you review the proposal before the meeting.
-I recommend that she consults with a financial advisor before making any investments.
-I suggest that we schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss the project updates.
-I recommend that he takes some time off to recharge his batteries.
-I suggest that you double-check the data before presenting it to the clients.
-I recommend that they consider hiring an external consultant for the project.
I suggest/recommend + gerund/noun…
The phrase “I suggest/recommend + gerund/noun” is used to offer guidance or a suggestion, pointing to a specific course of action or endeavor. The proposal or recommendation can be made directly and courteously with this format. The suggested course of action or activity is frequently denoted by a noun or gerund (a verb’s -ing form). It works well when making decisions or formulating plans, and it can be applied in both personal and professional settings. This format indicates that the opinion or recommendation is based on the author’s personal knowledge or experience.
Examples:
-I suggest watching a documentary to learn more about the topic.
-She recommends practicing meditation for stress relief.
-He suggests investing in real estate for long-term financial growth.
-I recommend reading novels to improve your language skills.
-She suggests trying a new hobby for personal enrichment.
-I recommend joining a gym for physical fitness.
Let’s + verb…
Let’s is a shortened version of “let us”. “Let us” indicates “permit us to perform a task.” However, this phrase can also mean “We should do something together” when it becomes Let’s, which makes it ideal for use when making recommendations in English.
Examples:
-Let’s go to the beach this weekend.
-Let’s have dinner together tonight.
-Let’s watch a movie later.
-Let’s take a walk in the park.
-Let’s study for the exam together.
-Let’s try that new restaurant downtown.
Shall we … ?
In English, asking “Shall we…?” is a courteous and approachable way to provide proposals. It’s frequently used to suggest things to do or things to do and ask people to agree or join in. This expression promotes involvement and teamwork in a cordial way.
Examples:
-Shall we go for a walk in the park?
-Shall we grab a bite to eat after the movie?
-Shall we meet at 2 o’clock for the presentation?
-Shall we discuss this matter further in tomorrow’s meeting?
-Shall we consider implementing a new strategy for the project?
-Shall we explore other options before making a decision?
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make a Suggestion in English
What are some common phrases for making suggestions in English?
Common phrases include “How about…?”, “What if…?”, “You might want to…”, “Have you considered…?”, and “I suggest…”.
What’s the difference between “recommend” and “suggest”?
“Recommend” often implies a stronger approval, while “suggest” is more about offering an idea for consideration.
Are there specific phrases to avoid when making suggestions?
Yes, avoid phrases that sound overly critical or commanding, such as “You need to…” or “You have to…”.
How do you respond to a suggestion?
You can respond to a suggestion by expressing appreciation, asking for clarification, or sharing your thoughts. Phrases like “That sounds good” or “I’ll think about it” can be helpful.
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