Easy English Conversation: SUGGEST & RECOMMEND

Summary

In this lesson, Emma explains the proper use of the verbs 'suggest' and 'recommend,' focusing on common mistakes English learners make, such as incorrectly using 'me' after these verbs. The video highlights four correct sentence structures: using a 'that' clause, a noun or noun phrase, an -ing verb, or a wh-question word. Through examples and interactive quizzes, learners are guided to understand the nuances of these verbs, including when to use a subject pronoun, and how to place an object pronoun with 'to.' The video encourages self-testing and further practice to reinforce these grammar rules.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Suggest' and 'recommend' have similar meanings in English, both used to give advice or tell someone what they should do.
• 😀 Common mistakes include using 'me' after 'suggest' or 'recommend'. This is incorrect and should be avoided.
• 😀 'That' clauses often follow 'suggest' and 'recommend', where a subject and verb are included. Example: 'I suggest that you bring a coat.'
• 😀 When using 'suggest' or 'recommend', the verb after 'that' should always be in its base form (e.g., 'go', 'study').
• 😀 'Suggest' and 'recommend' can also be followed by -ing verbs, indicating a general action. Example: 'I recommend studying English.'
• 😀 A noun or noun phrase (e.g., 'a good movie', 'a nice hotel') can follow 'suggest' or 'recommend'.
• 😀 When using 'me', 'him', 'her', etc. with 'suggest' or 'recommend', they must be placed after the noun phrase with the preposition 'to'. Example: 'Can you recommend a good restaurant to me?'
• 😀 'Suggest' and 'recommend' can be followed by 'wh' question words (e.g., who, what, where, why, how) to form questions. Example: 'Can you recommend what to wear?'
• 😀 You do not use object pronouns (e.g., 'me', 'her', 'them') immediately after 'suggest' or 'recommend' without the preposition 'to'.
• 😀 To reinforce learning, it's important to test yourself on the rules for using 'suggest' and 'recommend', such as practicing with quizzes.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on the correct usage of 'suggest' and 'recommend,' explaining common mistakes learners make and providing guidance on the proper structures to use after these verbs.

What mistake do many English learners make when using 'suggest' or 'recommend'?

A common mistake is using 'me' immediately after 'suggest' or 'recommend,' such as 'Can you suggest me a good movie?' or 'Can you recommend me a teacher?' This is incorrect.

What are the four possible structures that can follow 'suggest' or 'recommend'?

The four structures are: (1) 'that' + clause, (2) noun or noun phrase, (3) -ing verb, and (4) 'wh' question word.

What does a clause following 'suggest' or 'recommend' contain?

A clause contains a subject and a verb. For example, 'I suggest that you bring a coat.'

Is the word 'that' always necessary after 'suggest' or 'recommend'?

No, 'that' is optional, especially in informal language. For example, 'I suggest he create a resume' is correct even without 'that.'

What type of verb follows 'suggest' or 'recommend' when using an -ing form?

After 'suggest' or 'recommend,' an -ing verb follows. For example, 'I recommend studying English.'

Can 'me,' 'him,' 'her,' or 'them' be used after 'suggest' or 'recommend'?

No, 'me,' 'him,' 'her,' or 'them' should not directly follow 'suggest' or 'recommend.' Instead, 'suggest' or 'recommend' should be followed by a subject pronoun, and if needed, 'to' should be added before the object pronoun.

What should you use when you want to include 'me' in a sentence like 'Can you recommend me a movie'?

You should say, 'Can you recommend a movie to me?' The object pronoun 'me' should come after the noun phrase and be preceded by 'to.'

What is the correct verb form to use after 'suggest that' or 'recommend that'?

When using 'suggest that' or 'recommend that,' the verb should be in its base form, without conjugation. For example, 'I recommend that she go to the store.'

Which 'wh' question words can follow 'suggest' or 'recommend'?

'Suggest' or 'recommend' can be followed by 'wh' question words like 'what,' 'where,' 'when,' 'why,' 'who,' and 'how.' For example, 'Can you recommend where I can find a good restaurant?'