You can use the following words and expressions in conversations to make suggestions and give advice to people.
Suggestions
should
“You should try to practise English.”
“You shouldn’t translate too much.”
Why don’t you
“Why don’t you join an English club?”
ought to
“You ought to read more.”
If I were you, I’d…
“If I were you, I’d watch more television.”
*All these expressions are followed by a verb, without to. For example: “He should visit the Eiffel Tower.” (Not “he should to visit the Eiffel Tower.”)
For more information on using would, ought and should, see our page on modals.
suggest and recommend
Either use a verb + ing
“I suggest visiting the Eiffel Tower.” (We should all go.)
OR use that + a verb without to
“I suggest that you visit the Eiffel Tower.” (I’m not going.)
OR use a noun
“I recommend the lasagne.” (It’s a very good dish to choose in this restaurant.)
Advice
Remember the difference between the verb and the noun form of this word.
advise (verb)
“I advise you to buy a good dictionary.” (The pronunciation is ad – vaiz)
advice (noun)
“Can you give me some advice?” (The pronunciation is ad – vais)
Advice is an uncountable noun. This means that we can’t say an advice. Instead, we say some advice or a piece of advice.
“Let me give you some advice.”
“She gave me a very useful piece of advice: to buy a good dictionary.”
Speaking tip
Many people don’t like getting advice if they haven’t asked for it! To avoid giving the wrong impression, you can try some of these expressions:
“You could always…”
“Have you considered…”
“Perhaps we could…”
“Do you think it’s a good idea to…”
“Have you thought about…”
“In your position, I would…”
“You should perhaps…”
Suggestions and Advice
Choose the correct answer.