Making and responding to suggestions

Category: Topics in the syllabus

We often suggest ideas or things to do. Here is a list of expressions to make and respond to suggestions:
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Making suggestions

How about...?

There are three structures for using this phrase:
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How about + noun phrase?

• How about a new job?
• How about some orange juice?
• How about dinner at a good restaurant tonight?

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How about + subject + verb?

• ​How about we go to the supermarket?
• How about we do some shopping?
• How about I cook for you instead?
• How about I take this bag for you?

How about + verb -ing?

• How about going to the park?
• How about doing some shopping?
• How about folding the laundry for me?
• How about calling her?

What about...?

The phrase What about is very similar to How about. 

What about + subject + verb?

• What about we play cards?
• What about we eating together?

What about + verb -ing?

• What about playing cards?
• What about taking the bus?

​However, What about is commonly used to mention an objection or a potencial problem:

What about + noun?

A: Hey, let's go to the concert.
B: But what about my English test tomorrow? ​I haven’t studied yet.

Shall I/we...?

Shall is used to make a suggestion requesting permission or agreement.. However, ​is not used very much nowadays and mostly in formal speech.
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Shall + subject + verb?

• Shall I help you?
• It's cold. Shall I close the window?
  
• Shall we have something to drink?
• Shall I bring a bottle of wine?
• Shall we go out to eat?
• Shall we eat now?
• Shall we take a 15 minute break?

Why don't...?

This is a friendly way of suggesting that someone do something. You can use this phrase with anyone who you feel comfortable giving advice to.
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Why don't + subject + verb?

• Why don't you get a job?
• Why don't we go to the movies?
• It's cold in here. Why don't you close the window?
• Why don't we go for a walk?
• Why don't we put the tent over here?
• Why don't we bring the small table and put it there?
• Why don't you sit for a moment?
• Why don't you come with us tomorrow?
• Why don't we go to the living room? I want to show you something.

Why not...?

This expression is used to make general suggestions. We often find it in advertising.
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Why not + verb?

• Why not meet us on our "Facebook" page and become one of our supporters.
• Why not invite your friend for dinner?
• Why not buy from Amazon and get the 5% credit?

Let's

It's a form of imperative that we can use to make suggestions. Let’s is a contraction for the words let us. It is used to tell someone what you want to do with them.
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There are two structures for using this phrase:

Let's + verb

• Let's go.
• Let's take a break.

Let's + not + verb

• Let's not go on a picnic.
• Let’s not argue about money.
  

Using modal verbs

Purpose	Modal
Advice	could ​might
Suggestion	should ought to had better

• You could talk to your parents and ask them.
• You might do something.
• We should try out for the team.
• With this temperature you ought to visit the doctor.
• You'd better buy the tickets now.

Accepting suggestions

• That’s a good idea!
• What a great idea!
• That sounds good.
• Why not?
• Yes, with pleasure.
• Yes, I'd like to.
• Thanks! I’d love to.
• Yes, that’s not a bad idea.

Refusing suggestions

• No, let's not.
• ​ I’m not sure.
• What a bad idea!
• I don't feel like it.
  
• I don’t think I can.
  
• No, I'd rather not.
• I’d prefer…
• That’s a good idea but…