Table of Contents
Introduction
It is not uncommon for individuals to utilize expressions for making suggestions, often to provide advice or propose alternative courses of action. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which suggestions can be conveyed in English, their significance in communication, and how they contribute to effective decision-making and problem-solving.
Understanding Suggestions
A suggestion, or to suggest, refers to the act of putting forward an idea, proposal, or recommendation for consideration or implementation. It involves offering advice, proposing a course of action, or presenting an option with the intention of influencing decisions or actions.
Suggestions can be made in various contexts, such as in conversation, decision-making processes, problem-solving, or providing guidance. They aim to offer alternatives or solutions to address a particular situation or achieve a desired outcome.
The following English phrases and expressions are all used to make suggestions and give advice to people.
Making and responding to suggestions
Making suggestions:
- Let’s revise our lessons.
- What about going to the cinema tonight?
- How about playing cards?
- Why don’t we do our homework?
- Couldn’t we invite your grandmother to our party?
- Shall we have a walk along the river?
- What would you say to a cup of coffee?
- Don’t you think it is a good idea to watch TV?
- Does it matter if we use your car?
Accepting suggestions:
- Ok. Yes, let’s.
- Yes, I’d like to.
- Yes, I’d love to.
- What a good idea!
- Why not?
- Yes, with pleasure.
- Yes, I feel like taking a walk.
- That sounds like a good idea.
Refusing suggestions:
- No, let’s not.
- No, I’d rather not.
- I don’t feel like it.
- I dislike going for a walk.
- What an awful/bad idea!
Things to remember about suggestions:
- The verb “suggest” can be followed by either:
- should + verb = I suggest (that) we should go to the theater.
- a verb (in the subjunctive form)= I suggest (that) we go to the movies.
2. “That” is optional:
- “I suggest that we should visit Paris.”
- “I suggest we should visit Paris.”
Example Dialogue:
Two friends talking about where to go this evening:
| Alice: | You know Alan, why don’t we go to the cinema to watch Titanic? |
| Alan: | No, let’s not. We’ve seen the film many times before. What about going to the library? We have to finish our school project! |
| Alice: | That sounds like a good idea. But when we finish let’s go to the café. |
| Alan: | Yes, I’d love to. |
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