Learn How to Make a Suggestion in English

When you make a suggestion, youre putting forward a plan or an idea for another person to consider. People make suggestions when theyre deciding what to do, offering advice, or helping a visitor. Learning how to make a suggestion is a good way to improve your English conversational skills. If you already know how to tell time, ask for directions, and hold a basic conversation, youre ready to learn how to make a suggestion! Try out this role-play exercise with a friend or classmate to practice. What Shall We Do? In this exercise, two friends are trying to decide what to do for the weekend. By making suggestions, Jean and Chris make a decision that theyre both happy with. See if you can identify where the suggestion is. Jean: Hi Chris, would you like to do something with me this weekend? Chris: Sure. What shall we do? Jean:Â  I dont know. Do you have any ideas? Chris:Â  Why dont we see a film? Jean:Â  Thats sounds good to me. Which film shall we see? Chris:Â  Lets see Action Man 4. Jean:Â  Id rather not. I dont like violent films. How about going to Mad Doctor Brown? I hear its quite a funny film. Chris:Â  OK. Lets go see that. When is it on? Jean:Â  Its on at 8 p.m. at the Rex. Shall we have a bite to eat before the film? Chris:Â  Sure, that sounds great. What about going to that new Italian restaurant Michettis? Jean:Â  Great idea! Lets meet there at 6. Chris:Â  OK. Ill see you at Michettis at 6. Bye. Jean:Â  Bye. Chris: See you later! When Jean says, Id rather not. I dont like violent films. How about going to Mad Doctor Brown? I hear its quite a funny film, he is making a suggestion. More Practice Once youve mastered the dialogue above, challenge yourself with some additional role-playing exercises. What suggestions would you make if a friend said to you: Why dont you/we go to the movies tonight?You/we could visit New York while youre/were there.Lets go to the travel agents this afternoon to book our ticket.What about asking your brother for help?How about going to Hawaii for your vacation?I suggest you/we take all the factors into consideration before we decide. Before answering, think about your response. What will you suggest? What related information should you tell your friend? Think about the necessary details, such as time or location. Key Vocabulary If youre being asked to make a decision, that suggestion usually comes in the form of a question. For example: Would you like to...?(What) shall we go...? If someone else has made a decision and they want your opinion, it may be made as a statement instead. For example:Â   Lets go...Why dont we go...How about going...What about going...