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Making Suggestions

There are a number of formulas used when making suggestions in English. Here are some of the most common:

  • Why don't you / we go to the movies tonight?
  • You / we could visit New York while you're / we're there.
  • Let's go to the travel agent's this afternoon to book our ticket.
  • What about asking your brother for help?
  • How about going to Hawaii for your vacation?
  • I suggest you / we take all the factors into consideration before we decide.

After you study these constructions, take the making suggestions quiz to check your understanding.

Construction
Formula Verb Form

Why don't you / we go to a movie?

Use the base form of the verb in a question

We / You could go to a movie.

Use the base form of the verb in a statement

Let's go to a movie.

Use the base form of the verb with 'let's'

What about going to a movie?

Use the '-ing' form of the verb in a question

How about going to a movie?

Use the '-ing' form of the verb in a question

I suggest you / we go to a movie.

Use suggest object verb in the base form in a statement.

Contrasting Ideas

Making Complaints

Asking for Information

Giving Advice

Guessing

Being Imprecise or Vague

Saying 'No' Nicely

Showing Preferences

Making Suggestions

Offering Help

Giving Warning

Demanding Explanations

More Grammar Help

From Kenneth Beare,
Your Guide to English as 2nd Language.
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