Making Suggestions
When we want to propose an activity or idea to someone, we use suggestions. English has many ways to make suggestions, from direct to more polite forms.
Common Phrases for Making Suggestions
| Phrase | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Let's... | Let's + base verb | Let's go to the cinema. |
| Why don't we...? | Why don't we + base verb? | Why don't we visit the museum? |
| How about...? | How about + verb-ing? | How about watching a film? |
| What about...? | What about + verb-ing? | What about playing football? |
| We could... | We could + base verb | We could go for a walk. |
| Do you want to...? | Do you want to + base verb? | Do you want to try the new restaurant? |
Responding to Suggestions
When someone makes a suggestion, you can respond in three ways: accept, refuse, or express uncertainty.
Accepting Suggestions (Positive Responses)
| Expression | Level of Enthusiasm |
|---|---|
| That's a good idea! | Enthusiastic |
| OK, let's do that! | Positive |
| Yes, why not? | Casual acceptance |
| Sounds great! | Enthusiastic |
| Great idea! | Very positive |
| I'd love to! | Enthusiastic (for invitations) |
Refusing Suggestions (Polite Negative Responses)
When refusing, it's polite to give a reason or soften the refusal.
| Expression | Follow-up |
|---|---|
| I don't think so. | It's too far. |
| I'm not sure. | I haven't got any money. |
| No way! | (Very informal - use with close friends only) |
| That sounds nice, but... | I'm busy tomorrow. |
| Maybe another time. | I have to study. |
Expressing Uncertainty
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm not sure about that. | You have doubts |
| Let me think about it. | You need time to decide |
| Maybe. | You are considering it |
Conversation Structure
A typical conversation about making plans follows this pattern:
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Opening - One person suggests an activity
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Response - The other person accepts, refuses, or asks for more information
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Negotiation - If refused, the first person may suggest something else
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Agreement - Both agree on a plan
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Details - They discuss time, place, etc.
Example Dialogue
Study this conversation from the Student's Book (page 11):
Owen: What's up?
Ryan: My phone's dead.
Owen: Come on in, then. Let's do something.
Ryan: Sure. I know. Why don't we go to that art exhibition?
Owen: That's a good idea. Where is it?
Ryan: In the centre of town.
Owen: No way! That's too far!
Ryan: OK. What about going to the book festival?
Owen: I don't think so. I haven't got any money.
Ryan: OK. Let's play football in the park instead.
Owen: I'm not sure. I'm wearing my best trainers.
Ryan: How about watching that new wildlife documentary?
Owen: OK, let's do that.
Analysis:
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Ryan makes suggestions using: Why don't we...?, What about...?, Let's..., How about...?
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Owen accepts with: That's a good idea., OK, let's do that.
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Owen refuses with: No way!, I don't think so., I'm not sure.
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Each refusal includes a reason (too far, no money, wearing best trainers)
Pronunciation Tip: Intonation in Suggestions
When making suggestions, your voice should sound friendly and inviting:
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Why don't we...? - Voice goes up at the end (question intonation)
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Let's... - Voice goes down at the end (statement intonation)
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How about...? - Voice goes up at the end
When responding:
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That's a good idea! - Stress "good" and show enthusiasm
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I'm not sure. - Voice goes down to show uncertaintyA
