I suggest

USAGE SUMMARY

"I suggest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make a suggestion about something, for example: "I suggest we go for a walk in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suggest something radical.

The New York Times

Tracey Emin, I suggest.

Independent

I suggest you desist.

Independent

I suggest dinosaurs.

The New Yorker

I suggest Vlasic pickles.

The New York Times

What I suggest?

The New Yorker

Might I suggest "judicial inactivism"?

The New York Times

"Let's play cards," I suggest.

The New Yorker

May I suggest the soyabean?

The Economist

Might I suggest duct tape?

The New York Times - Travel

Hardly normal, I suggest gently.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I suggest" when offering a recommendation or proposal, particularly when you want to convey a direct yet polite tone. Ensure that the suggestion is relevant to the context and audience.

Common error

While "I suggest" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal documents like research papers or business reports. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "It is recommended that", "This analysis indicates", or "Further research should explore" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I suggest" functions as a performative utterance, explicitly conveying a suggestion or recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often initiates a clause expressing an opinion or course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I suggest" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to offer recommendations or proposals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly used across various contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversations. While highly adaptable, remember to consider the level of formality required for your specific writing context, and use more formal alternatives when appropriate. Ludwig's extensive examples provide valuable insights into the nuanced usage of this common phrase. Remember the importance of choosing alternatives depending on nuance and audience. Always ensure the suggestion is relevant and well-considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My suggestion is

This alternative rephrases the original by explicitly stating that a suggestion is being made.

I propose

This alternative is slightly more formal and indicates a structured suggestion, often used in professional or academic settings.

I recommend

This alternative implies a positive endorsement based on experience or knowledge.

I would advise

This alternative carries a slightly stronger tone of guidance or caution.

Consider

This alternative is a more concise way to introduce a suggestion by directly inviting consideration.

My advice would be

This alternative emphasizes the personal nature of the recommendation, framing it as advice.

I submit that

This alternative is highly formal and often used in legal or academic contexts to introduce an argument.

Perhaps you could

This alternative is a polite way to offer a suggestion, giving the recipient more agency.

How about

This alternative is informal and often used in casual conversation to propose an idea.

It might be worth considering

This alternative introduces a softer, more tentative suggestion, suitable when uncertainty exists.

FAQs

How can I use "I suggest" in a sentence?

You can use "I suggest" to introduce a recommendation or proposal. For example, "I suggest we review the data again" or "I suggest you consider the alternatives carefully".

What are some alternatives to saying "I suggest"?

Alternatives to "I suggest" include phrases like "I recommend", "I propose", "My suggestion is", or "I would advise" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "I suggest" in writing?

"I suggest" is suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to professional communications. However, for very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated phrases to maintain a professional tone.

Is "I suggest" too informal for academic writing?

While "I suggest" isn't strictly incorrect in academic writing, it can sometimes be perceived as less formal. Using alternatives like "It is recommended that" or "This study indicates" can enhance the academic tone of your writing.