Lesson

Suggestions

Make suggestions politely

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are Suggestions?

Suggestions are expressions we use to propose ideas, offer options, or recommend actions to others. In business and everyday conversation they help coordinate decisions, invite collaboration, and propose solutions without sounding too direct.

  • Suggestions can be direct (Let's meet tomorrow) or polite (Would you like to meet tomorrow?).
  • Different forms convey different tones: informal, neutral, or formal/polite.
  • Choose the form that fits the situation: colleagues, clients, managers, or friends.

Table

Common Suggestion Expressions

Expression Formality Example
Let's + base verb Informal / Neutral Let's schedule the review for Friday.
How about + -ing Neutral / Casual How about postponing the meeting by a week?
Why don't we + base verb Neutral Why don't we ask the client for more details?
I suggest (that) + clause / I suggest + -ing Formal / Professional I suggest that we update the project timeline.
I would recommend + -ing / that + clause Formal / Polite I would recommend conducting a risk assessment first.
Would you like to + infinitive? Polite / Offer Would you like to join the call tomorrow?
Maybe / Perhaps / You might want to + -ing Tentative / Polite Perhaps we could review the proposal together.

Tip

Key Rule: Match tone and structure

Choose the right expression based on level of formality and relationship with the listener.

  • Use Let's / How about / Why don't we for collaborative, neutral suggestions among peers.
  • Use I suggest / I would recommend for formal or professional advice.
  • Use Would you like to... or Would you be willing to... for polite offers or invitations.
  • Use tentative language (perhaps, maybe, you might want to) to be softer or less direct.

Think: informal = Let's / how about; formal = I suggest / I would recommend

Example

Examples in context

Let's review the sales figures before the meeting.

How about sending the draft to the client for feedback?

I would recommend conducting a short pilot study.

Would you like to join the strategy call tomorrow?

Tip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are frequent errors learners make when giving suggestions. Avoiding them will make your suggestions clearer and more appropriate.

  • Being too direct with imperatives in formal contexts (e.g., Using 'Do this' with a client).
  • Mixing structures incorrectly (e.g., 'How about to schedule' instead of 'How about scheduling').
  • Using the wrong verb form after recommendation verbs (e.g., 'I recommend that he goes' instead of 'I recommend that he go' or 'I recommend going').
  • Omitting polite phrasing in offers (e.g., 'Join the call?' instead of 'Would you like to join the call?').
  • Using tentative words but following with very direct verbs that contradict the tone.

Focus on verb forms and tone: structure + politeness = effective suggestion.

Quiz

Choose the most polite suggestion to offer help to a client:

Hint: Focus on a polite offer phrased as a question.

Quiz

Complete: _____ a quick call to discuss the proposal?

Hint: Use a formal question to propose a joint action.

Quiz

Which sentence is the most appropriate formal recommendation for a project delay?

Hint: Choose the phrasing that is formal and uses recommend/suggest.

Key Points

Expression

Let's

expression CEFR A2 //lɛts//

A contraction used to make a suggestion for a group action (let us).

Let's review the agenda before the meeting.

Expression

How about + -ing

expression CEFR B1 //haʊ əˈbaʊt//

Used to propose an idea or alternative, followed by a gerund.

How about delaying the launch by two weeks?

Expression

Why don't we

expression CEFR B1 //waɪ doʊnt wiː//

A suggestion phrase used to propose doing something together or as a team.

Why don't we ask the design team for input?

Expression

I would recommend

expression CEFR B2 //aɪ wʊd ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd//

A polite, formal way to give professional advice or a recommendation.

I would recommend prioritizing the client requests.

GrammarPoint

I suggest (that)

grammar_point CEFR B2 //aɪ səˈdʒɛst (ðæt)//

Used to offer advice or propose an action; often followed by a clause or gerund.

I suggest that we finalize the budget this week.

Expression

Would you like to...?

expression CEFR B1 //wʊd juː laɪk tuː//

A polite way to offer something or invite someone to do something.

Would you like to attend the briefing this afternoon?