Making suggestions
There are different ways that we can make a suggestion or recommend something in English. Making suggestions with modal verbs (should, shall, could, can)
Subject + model + verb…
- We should start from the beginning.
- I think we should go for candidate one.
- We could appeal
- You could do yoga if you want to be healthier.
- She can have it send to her house, if she prefers
- Shall we present it at the meeting?
- Should we call it a day?
- Shall we get going?
- I would like to make a suggestion

and with let’s, how about.., why don’t we….?
- Let’s focus.
- How about starting with social media?
- How about this movie?
- Why don’t you ask Rebecca?
- Is it okay if we start with….?
- I think it’s best if we…
- I say we keep going
- I believe the best option is…
To make a suggestion – verbs
suggest
VERB: to offer an idea or a plan for someone to consider
recommend
VERB: put forward (someone or something) with approval as being suitable for a particular purpose or role. I strongly recommend locking your car’s doors.
put forward
PHRASAL VERB: to offer an idea, opinion, reason, etc., especially so that people can discuss it and make a decision. We drafted an early proposal
propose
VERB: to make a formal suggestion in a meeting for people to think about and vote on
float
VERB: to suggest an idea for people to consider to see how they will react
put forth
PHRASAL VERB: (FORMAL) to state or offer an idea, opinion, plan ,etc.
toss out
PHRASAL VERB: to offer an idea or plan
propound
VERB: (FORMAL) to offer an idea or theory for other people to consider
vote
VERB: (INFORMAL) to suggest what you would like to do in a particular situation
advance
VERB: (FORMAL) to suggest something for people to consider
put before
PHRASAL VERB: to formally offer an idea or proposal to someone for them to consider or accept
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