a suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a suggestion" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to an idea or opinion that has been offered as a possible course of action or solution. For example: "We debated various solutions to the problem, and I offered a suggestion that we could research the topic further before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just a suggestion.

The New Yorker

I have a suggestion.

The New York Times

Not a suggestion, really.

The New Yorker

Here is a suggestion.

SEP

Just a suggestion, Janet!

The New Yorker

It was just a suggestion.

The New York Times

So Charlemagne has a suggestion.

The Economist

LARISSA MACFARQUHAR: What a suggestion.

The New Yorker

Here's a suggestion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nana Asfour had a suggestion.

The New Yorker

"Only a suggestion," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a suggestion" to gently introduce an alternative idea, especially when disagreeing with an existing approach.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a suggestion" without providing adequate reasoning or explanation. Ensure your suggestion is well-supported and understandable to the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a suggestion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It is used to introduce an idea or recommendation. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is perfectly valid in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

28%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a suggestion" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to introduce an idea or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase in English writing. It is frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that your suggestion is well-supported and clearly articulated. Consider alternatives like "an idea" or "a recommendation" depending on the level of formality and context. Overusing the phrase without sufficient context should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recommendation

Suggests a formal endorsement or positive assessment.

a proposal

Indicates a plan or scheme being put forward for consideration.

an idea

More general term for a thought or concept, not necessarily offered as advice.

a piece of advice

Implies guidance based on experience or knowledge.

a tip

A small piece of practical advice.

a pointer

A helpful indication or piece of guidance.

an opinion

Expresses a personal belief or judgment.

a thought

A more casual and less formal way to introduce an idea.

a viewpoint

Emphasizes a particular perspective or way of considering something.

a notion

Similar to an idea, but can sometimes imply a less concrete or fully formed concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "a suggestion" to introduce a proposed idea or course of action. For example, "I have "a suggestion" for improving our workflow".

What's the difference between "a suggestion" and "a recommendation"?

"A suggestion" is a general offering of an idea, while "a recommendation" is a more formal endorsement based on expertise or experience. A recommendation carries more weight than "a suggestion".

What can I say instead of "a suggestion"?

You can use alternatives such as "an idea", "a proposal", or "a recommendation" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to offer "a suggestion"?

It's appropriate to offer "a suggestion" when you have a constructive idea to contribute, particularly in situations requiring problem-solving or improvement. Make sure your "a suggestion" is relevant and well-considered.