Overview
Suggestions in reported speech use suggest + -ing or suggest + that + subject + should/base verb. Example: 'Let's go to the cinema' → She suggested going to the cinema / suggested that we should go. Note: 'suggest' cannot be followed by to-infinitive (not: suggest to go).
Suggestions → Reported
- suggest + -ingShe suggested going to the cinema.
- suggest + thatHe suggested that we go to the cinema.
- recommend + -ingShe recommended trying the new restaurant.
- propose + -ingHe proposed meeting next week.
Common Errors
- ❌ She suggested to go to the cinema.
- ✅ She suggested going to the cinema.
- ❌ He suggested us to try the restaurant.
- ✅ He suggested we try the restaurant.
Suggestion Verbs
- suggest+ -ing or + that-clause
- recommend+ -ing or + that-clause
- propose+ -ing or + that-clause
- advise+ object + to-infinitive
When to use
Daily life
She suggested taking a taxi.
Business
He recommended revising the budget.
Academic
The tutor suggested reading the first chapter.
Emails
She proposed that we schedule a meeting.