Ways to Use Suggest - I suggest that you watch this video

Summary

This video covers various ways to use the verb 'suggest' in English, offering tips on different constructions and common mistakes. It explains how 'suggest' can be used with nouns, noun phrases, a 'that' clause, the '-ing' form, and question words. Viewers learn the proper way to phrase suggestions, such as 'I suggest you arrive early' and how to avoid mistakes like saying 'suggest someone something.' The video also touches on informal and formal usages and provides practical examples to help with everyday conversations and English proficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 'Suggest' is a synonym for 'recommend' and can be used to recommend a person, thing, or method.
• 😀 You can suggest someone for a specific job or purpose, e.g., 'Who would you suggest for the job?'
• 😀 You can also suggest something as a particular option, e.g., 'Would you suggest Clive as project manager?'
• 😀 A noun phrase can be the object of 'suggest', e.g., 'Can you suggest a good movie?' or 'May I suggest a red wine with this dish?'
• 😀 The verb 'suggest' can also be used with the 'to' construction, e.g., 'Why don't you suggest our restaurant to her as a wedding venue?'
• 😀 A common mistake with 'suggest' is using the wrong construction, e.g., 'Can you suggest me a good movie?' should be 'Can you suggest a good movie to me?'
• 😀 When suggesting an action, you can use a 'that' clause, e.g., 'I suggest that you arrive early for the show.'
• 😀 In casual conversations, especially with friends, the word 'that' can be omitted, e.g., 'I suggest you arrive early for the show.'
• 😀 For past suggestions, you can use 'should' in the 'that' clause, e.g., 'The teacher suggested that the children should read at home every day.'
• 😀 You can use 'suggest' with the ing form of a verb to suggest an action without specifying who will perform it, e.g., 'I suggest getting a second opinion before surgery.'
• 😀 'Suggest' can be used with a 'wh' question (e.g., 'Where?', 'What?', 'Who?', 'How?') to inquire about options, e.g., 'Can anyone suggest where we could have our party?'

Q & A

What is the meaning of the verb 'suggest'?

The verb 'suggest' means to tell someone about a suitable person, thing, method, or idea, typically offering it as a recommendation.

Can 'suggest' be used as a synonym for 'recommend'?

Yes, 'suggest' is often used as a synonym for 'recommend', as both imply advising someone on a suitable choice or course of action.

What is the correct way to use 'suggest' with a person or thing for a particular job?

'Suggest' can be used to recommend a person or thing for a particular job or purpose. For example, 'Who would you suggest for the job?' or 'I would suggest Rachel for the job.'

How do you use 'suggest' with a noun phrase?

'Suggest' can be followed by a noun phrase to recommend something specific, such as 'Can you suggest a good movie?' or 'May I suggest a red wine with this dish?'

What is the mistake people often make when using 'suggest' with a person or thing?

A common mistake is to say 'suggest someone something', but the correct structure is 'suggest something to someone', for example, 'Can you suggest a good movie to me?'

How do you use 'suggest' with a 'that' clause?

'Suggest' can be followed by a 'that' clause to recommend an action. For example, 'I suggest that you arrive early for the show.' In informal speech, 'that' can often be omitted, making it 'I suggest you arrive early for the show.'

What is the role of 'should' in a 'that' clause when suggesting something in the past?

In British English, when suggesting an action in the past, 'should' is often used in the 'that' clause. For example, 'The teacher suggested that the children should read at home every day.'

How is 'suggest' used with the ing form of a verb?

'Suggest' can be used with the ing form of a verb when the person doing the action is already implied. For example, 'I suggest getting a second opinion' or 'I suggest arriving early for the show.'

What happens when 'suggest' is used with a wh-question?

'Suggest' can also be followed by a wh-question to ask for recommendations, such as 'Can anyone suggest where we could have our party?' or 'Can you suggest how I might contact them?'

How should you respond if someone asks, 'If I suggest what you need to do, will you do it?'

In this case, the person is asking if you'll follow their recommendation, and the appropriate response would depend on your willingness to follow the suggestion.