English Grammar: How to Use the Verb “Suggest”

The English language is full of interesting and sometimes tricky verbs, and “suggest” is one that often confuses both native and non-native speakers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to use “suggest” correctly, its different meanings, and the grammatical structures it requires.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve your English skills, this post will help you master the use of “suggest” in all its forms.

Basic Definition and Usage:

At its core, “suggest” means to propose an idea, plan, or course of action.

It’s a versatile verb that can be used in many different contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing.

Let’s look at some basic examples:

• “I suggest we go to the park today.”
• “The doctor suggested that I get more exercise.”
• “Can you suggest a good restaurant in the area?”

In these sentences, “suggest” is used to put forward an idea or recommendation. It’s important to note that when we use “suggest,” we’re not giving a command or an order.

Instead, we’re offering a possibility or an option for consideration.

The verb “suggest” can be used in several different ways:

a) To propose an idea:

“The committee suggested holding the meeting online.”

b) To indicate or imply something:

“Her smile suggested that she knew something we didn’t.”

c) To bring to mind or evoke:

“The painting suggests a sense of calm and tranquility.”

d) To recommend someone for a position or role:

“I suggested Tom for the job because of his experience.”

Understanding these various uses is the first step in mastering the verb “suggest.”

As we delve deeper into its usage, we’ll explore the grammatical structures and nuances that come with each of these meanings.

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Grammatical Structures with “Suggest”:

One of the reasons “suggest” can be challenging is that it requires specific grammatical structures.

Let’s break down the most common ways to use “suggest” correctly:

a) Suggest + noun/pronoun + verb in base form:

“I suggest you try the chocolate cake.” “The teacher suggested we review our notes before the exam.”

In this structure, we use the base form of the verb (without “to”) after the noun or pronoun.

b) Suggest + that + subject + verb in subjunctive mood:

“I suggest that he study more.” “The boss suggested that we be more punctual.”

This structure uses the subjunctive mood, which means we use the base form of the verb regardless of the subject.

This can sound formal or even incorrect to some English speakers, but it’s technically the correct form.

c) Suggest + gerund (-ing form):

“She suggested going to the beach.” “They suggested waiting until tomorrow.”

When we use “suggest” with a gerund, we’re proposing an activity or action.

d) Suggest + noun:

“Can you suggest a good book?” “The doctor suggested a new diet.”

In this case, “suggest” is followed directly by a noun, which is the thing being proposed or recommended.

Understanding these structures is crucial for using “suggest” correctly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

Even native English speakers sometimes struggle with the correct usage of “suggest.”

Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

a) Using “to” after “suggest”:

Incorrect: “I suggest to go to the park.”

Correct: “I suggest going to the park.”

Remember, “suggest” is never followed directly by an infinitive (to + verb).

Instead, use a gerund (-ing form) or one of the other structures we discussed earlier.

b) Using the wrong form in that-clauses:

Incorrect: “He suggested that we should go.”

Correct: “He suggested that we go.”

In formal English, after “suggest that,” we use the base form of the verb (subjunctive mood), not “should” or the present tense.

c) Confusing “suggest” with “advise”:

While these verbs are similar, they have different structures. “Advise” can be followed by an infinitive, but “suggest” cannot.

Incorrect: “I suggest you to eat more vegetables.”

Correct: “I advise you to eat more vegetables.” or “I suggest eating more vegetables.”

d) Using a direct object pronoun:

Incorrect: “He suggested me to apply for the job.”

Correct: “He suggested that I apply for the job.” or “He suggested applying for the job to me.”

“Suggest” doesn’t take a direct object pronoun (me, him, her, etc.) before the suggested action.

e) Forgetting the “that” in formal writing:

In formal writing, it’s better to include “that” after “suggest” when introducing a clause.

Less formal: “I suggest you wait until tomorrow.”

More formal: “I suggest that you wait until tomorrow.”

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can improve your use of “suggest” and communicate more effectively in English.

“Suggest” in Different Tenses:

Like most verbs, “suggest” can be used in various tenses.

Let’s look at how it functions in different time frames:

a) Present Simple:

“I suggest we leave now.”

Used for general statements or habitual actions.

b) Present Continuous:

“They are suggesting a new approach to the problem.”

Used for actions happening now or planned for the near future.

c) Past Simple:

“She suggested that we try the new restaurant.”

Used for completed actions in the past.

d) Past Continuous:

“They were suggesting solutions when the boss walked in.”

Used for ongoing actions in the past.

e) Present Perfect:

“I have suggested this idea several times.”

Used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present or have present relevance.

f) Past Perfect:

“By the time we arrived, they had already suggested postponing the meeting.”

Used for actions completed before another past action.

g) Future with “will”:

“I will suggest a compromise at tomorrow’s meeting.”

Used for future actions or decisions made at the moment of speaking.

h) Future with “going to”:

“We’re going to suggest a different venue for the event.”

Used for planned future actions.

It’s important to note that regardless of the tense of “suggest,” the verb in the that-clause (if used) remains in the base form:

“I suggested that he go.” (Not “went” or “goes”)

“She will suggest that we be careful.” (Not “are” or “will be”)

This consistency across tenses is part of what makes “suggest” unique and sometimes challenging for English learners.

“Suggest” in Passive Voice:

Like many verbs, “suggest” can be used in the passive voice.

This is often done to emphasize the suggestion itself rather than who made it.

Here’s how it works:

Active: “The committee suggested a new policy.”

Passive: “A new policy was suggested by the committee.”

Active: “Someone suggested that we cancel the event.”

Passive: “It was suggested that we cancel the event.”

In passive constructions, “suggest” follows the same rules we’ve discussed earlier regarding the verbs that follow it.

For example:

“It was suggested that the meeting be postponed.” (Not “should be” or “is”)

Using “suggest” in the passive voice can be particularly useful in formal or academic writing, where the focus is often on ideas or actions rather than the individuals proposing them.

Idiomatic Expressions and Phrasal Verbs Related to “Suggest”:

The English language is rich with idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs, and “suggest” is no exception.

Understanding these can help you use the concept of suggestion more naturally and expressively.

Let’s explore some common phrases:

a) “Suggest itself”:

This reflexive form means that an idea or solution becomes apparent without someone explicitly proposing it.

Example: “The solution suggested itself as soon as we looked at the problem from a different angle.”

b) “Take a suggestion”:

This phrase means to accept and act on someone’s suggestion.

Example: “If you’ll take my suggestion, you should start saving money now for your retirement.”

c) “Open to suggestions”:

This expression indicates that someone is willing to hear and consider ideas from others.

Example: “I’m not sure how to solve this issue, so I’m open to suggestions.”

d) “Drop a suggestion”:

To casually or subtly make a suggestion.

Example: “I dropped a suggestion about a surprise party, but I’m not sure if they picked up on it.”

e) “Throw out a suggestion”:

Similar to “drop a suggestion,” this means to casually propose an idea.

Example: “Let me throw out a suggestion: why don’t we meet for lunch instead of dinner?”

f) “Suggest otherwise”:

This phrase is used when something implies a different conclusion than what was previously thought or stated.

Example: “He claims to be happy, but his behavior suggests otherwise.”

g) “Suggestive of”:

This means that something implies or evokes a particular idea or quality.

Example: “Her choice of words was suggestive of a deeper problem.”

“Suggest” vs. Similar Verbs:

To fully grasp the usage of “suggest,” it’s helpful to compare it with similar verbs and understand the subtle differences:

a) Suggest vs. Recommend:

While both verbs involve proposing an idea, “recommend” often carries more weight or authority.

• “I suggest trying the pasta.” (casual)
• “I recommend the pasta as it’s the chef’s specialty.” (stronger endorsement)

b) Suggest vs. Advise:

“Advise” often implies that the speaker has more knowledge or authority on the subject.

• “I suggest you speak to a lawyer.” (offering an idea)
• “I advise you to speak to a lawyer.” (giving stronger guidance)

c) Suggest vs. Propose:

“Propose” is often more formal and can imply a more detailed or official suggestion.

• “I suggest we have the meeting next week.” (casual)
• “I propose we schedule the meeting for next Tuesday at 2 PM.” (more specific and formal)

d) Suggest vs. Imply:

While “suggest” can mean to indicate indirectly, “imply” is more commonly used for this purpose.

• “Your tone suggests you’re upset.” (could be intentional or unintentional)
• “Are you implying that I made a mistake?” (usually intentional)

e) Suggest vs. Hint:

“Hint” is usually more indirect or subtle than “suggest.”

• “She suggested that I should apply for the job.” (direct)
• “She hinted that a job opportunity might be available.” (indirect)

“Suggest” in Formal and Informal Contexts:

The usage of “suggest” can vary depending on the formality of the situation.

Let’s examine how it’s used in different contexts:

Informal contexts:

In casual conversations, “suggest” is often used more loosely and directly.

• “I suggest we get pizza for dinner.”
• “Why don’t you suggest an idea for the project?”

In informal settings, it’s common to drop “that” in that-clauses:

• “I suggest you try the blue one.” (Instead of “I suggest that you try the blue one.”)

Formal contexts:

In formal writing or speech, the use of “suggest” tends to be more structured and precise.

• “The committee suggests that the proposal be reviewed thoroughly before implementation.”
• “Research suggests that regular exercise may reduce the risk of certain diseases.”

In formal contexts, it’s generally better to include “that” in that-clauses:

• “The data suggests that further study is necessary.”

Additionally, in very formal or academic writing, you might see the subjunctive mood used more consistently:

• “The authors suggest that the experiment be repeated under different conditions.”

Practice Exercises and Examples:

To truly master the use of “suggest,” it’s important to practice.

Here are some exercises and examples to help you solidify your understanding:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks Complete the following sentences using the correct form of “suggest”:

 

1. The doctor _______ (suggest) that I _______ (exercise) more regularly.
2. They _______ (suggest) _______ (go) to the new restaurant downtown.
3. I _______ (suggest) that he _______ (speak) to his manager about the issue.
4. The report _______ (suggest) that climate change _______ (be) a serious concern.
5. Can you _______ (suggest) a good book for me to read?

Answers:

1. suggested, exercise
2. suggested going
3. suggest, speak
4. suggests, is
5. suggest

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences:

1. He suggested to go to the beach.
2. The teacher suggested that we should study harder.
3. I’m suggesting you to try the new coffee shop.
4. They suggested me to apply for the job.
5. The evidence suggests that he is guilty.

Corrected sentences:

1. He suggested going to the beach.
2. The teacher suggested that we study harder.
3. I’m suggesting you try the new coffee shop. / I’m suggesting trying the new coffee shop.
4. They suggested that I apply for the job. / They suggested applying for the job.
5. This sentence is correct.

Exercise 3: Rewrite Using “Suggest” Rewrite the following sentences using the verb “suggest”:

1. Why don’t we have dinner at 7 PM?
2. I think you should talk to your parents about this.
3. The best course of action would be to wait until tomorrow.
4. Have you considered taking a vacation?
5. Based on the data, it appears that the economy is improving.

Possible rewrites:

1. I suggest we have dinner at 7 PM.
2. I suggest that you talk to your parents about this.
3. I suggest waiting until tomorrow.
4. May I suggest taking a vacation?
5. The data suggests that the economy is improving.

Exercise 4: Context-Based Usage Determine whether the use of “suggest” is appropriate for formal or informal contexts:

1. I suggest you don’t worry about it too much.
2. The committee suggests that further research be conducted.
3. Why don’t you suggest something fun for us to do?
4. The findings suggest a correlation between diet and heart health.
5. I suggested we grab a quick bite before the movie.

Answers:

1. Informal
2. Formal
3. Informal
4. Formal
5. Informal
6. Conclusion:

Mastering the use of “suggest” in English can greatly enhance your communication skills.

Remember these key points:

1. “Suggest” can be used to propose ideas, indicate implications, or recommend actions.
2. It follows specific grammatical structures, often using the base form of verbs in that-clauses.
3. Avoid common mistakes like using “to” after “suggest” or confusing it with similar verbs like “advise.”
4. The usage can vary between formal and informal contexts.
5. Practice with different tenses and structures to become more comfortable with the verb.

Understanding how to use the word “suggest” and practicing it will help you communicate your thoughts better in English.

Whether you’re casually suggesting something to a friend or making a formal recommendation at work, knowing how to use this word will be really helpful in your language learning journey.

Just like with anything else in language learning, practicing regularly and seeing how native speakers use “suggest” will make it easier for you to use it naturally in your conversations.