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You are here: Home / Lessons / Using suggest

Using suggest

June 18, 2012 - pdf

Suggest is one of those verbs that cannot be followed by object + infinitive. Instead, we use that-clauses and –ing forms.

  • Father suggested consulting a financial advisor. OR Father suggested that I should consult a financial advisor. (NOT Father suggested me to consult a financial advisor.) (NOT Father suggested to consult a financial advisor.)

Although should is very common in that-clauses after suggest, it can be left out.

  • My Dad suggested that I learn Spanish. OR My Dad suggested that I should learn Spanish.

When the verb in the main clause is in the present tense, we can use a present tense in the that-clause after suggest. When the verb in the main clause is in the past tense, a past tense is possible in the that-clause as well.

  • His doctor suggests that he stops smoking.
  • His doctor suggested that he stopped smoking.

In American English, subjunctive structures are more common after suggest. Note that a subjunctive has the same form in the present tense and the past tense. It doesn’t have the –s marking in third person singular.

  • The doctor suggests that he stop smoking. (Subjunctive with no –s marking.)
  • The doctor suggested that he stop smoking.

In British English, subjunctive isn’t very common. Instead, British speakers use should + infinitive.

  • The doctor suggests that he should stop smoking.
  • The doctor suggested that he should stop smoking.

In direct suggestions that begin with I suggest…, should is not normally used.

  • I suggest that you get another job. (NOT I suggest that you should get another job.)

If we have to put an indirect object after suggest we use the preposition to or for.

  • Can you suggest a good dentist to me? (NOT Can you suggest me a good dentist?)
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