Introduction to Making Suggestions
In our lesson "Making Suggestions," learners will explore various ways to propose ideas, activities, or plans in English. This skill is crucial for interactive conversations, planning activities with friends, or making decisions in a group. By mastering different ways to make and respond to suggestions, learners will enhance their ability to communicate effectively and politely in diverse social contexts.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and use phrases for making suggestions.
- Learn how to accept or reject suggestions constructively.
- Improve conversational skills with practical examples.
This lesson is presented in British English, designed to be beginner-friendly, and accessible for learners at all levels.
Making Suggestions: Vocabulary and Usage
Making Suggestions
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Why don't we go to a music festival?
- Meaning: A suggestion for a group activity.
- Example: "Why don't we go to a music festival this weekend? It'll be fun."
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We could go to the theatre.
- Meaning: Proposing an option as a possibility.
- Example: "We could go to the theatre to see the new play everyone's talking about."
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How about going to the cinema?
- Meaning: Offering a suggestion for consideration.
- Example: "How about going to the cinema to watch the latest movie?"
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Let's go to...
- Meaning: A direct proposal for an action or activity.
- Example: "Let's go to the beach, and afterwards, we can try the new seafood restaurant."
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Maybe we could...
- Meaning: A tentative suggestion, showing less certainty.
- Example: "Maybe we could start our weekend by visiting the art exhibition."
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Shall we invite Sam to the party?
- Meaning: Suggesting an action involving another person.
- Example: "Shall we invite Sam to the party? I think he would enjoy it."
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What about going for a walk?
- Meaning: Suggesting an activity for consideration.
- Example: "What about going for a walk in the park? It's a lovely day."
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We might as well stay at home.
- Meaning: Suggesting an action because it seems the best option under the circumstances.
- Example: "It's raining, so we might as well stay at home and watch films."
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Do you fancy going out tonight?
- Meaning: Asking if someone is interested in going out.
- Example: "Do you fancy going out tonight for dinner?"
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Would you like to go out tonight?
- Meaning: Politely asking someone if they want to go out.
- Example: "Would you like to go out tonight and catch up?"
Accepting Suggestions
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Yes, that sounds like a great idea.
- Example: "A picnic? Yes, that sounds like a great idea!"
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Yes, that's not a bad idea.
- Example: "Watching a movie at home? Yes, that's not a bad idea."
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Count me in too.
- Example: "If you're planning to hike tomorrow, count me in too."
Rejecting Suggestions
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I'm not sure about that.
- Example: "Camping overnight in the storm? I'm not sure about that."
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I'm not keen on that idea.
- Example: "Skydiving for team-building? I'm not keen on that idea."
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No, I don't think so.
- Example: "Should we drive through the night? No, I don't think so."
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No, let's not...
- Example: "Should we order more food? No, let's not; we have plenty."
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No, I'd rather not...
- Example: "Do you want to go jogging now? No, I'd rather not in this heat."
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I don't feel like it.
- Example: "Do you feel like going to the party? No, I don't feel like it tonight."
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That's a good idea but...
- Example: "That's a good idea but I have an early meeting tomorrow."
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I don't think this would work.
- Example: "We could take the shortcut. I don't think this would work, it's under construction."
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Your suggestion sounds good but...
- Example: "Your suggestion sounds good but I'm allergic to seafood."
Conclusion and Takeaways
Making and responding to suggestions is a key part of everyday conversation. Through this lesson, learners have gained valuable phrases and the confidence to propose plans, express agreement, or politely decline. Remember, the key to effective communication is not just in making suggestions but also in how we respond to them.
- Practice: Use these phrases in daily conversations.
- Be open: Try accepting suggestions you might normally decline to expand your experiences.
- Be considerate: When rejecting suggestions, offer an alternative or explain your reasons kindly.
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