friendly suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "friendly suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when offering advice or recommendations in a polite and approachable manner. Example: "I have a friendly suggestion: perhaps you could consider revising your proposal to include more data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"A friendly suggestion to the Third Circuit: Rethink your mootness-by-unaccepted-offer theory," she wrote.

The New York Times

PLEASE consider, O Republican conventiongoers, a possibly radical but altogether friendly suggestion from a native New Yorker.

The New York Times

Have a great day". As I turn to collect my drink, I see a "friendly" suggestion that I don't use my laptop during peak hours.

Harvard Business Review

"It literally gets down to 'No, we don't say it that way, we say it this way.' Always phrased as a friendly suggestion — but it's pretty clear you don't want to say 'occupied territories'!

The New Yorker

But if Kelly is thinking of escaping Roger Ailes and Fox News because she thinks she has outgrown the man and his star-making machinery, I humbly offer a friendly suggestion: Call Glenn Beck.

The Washington Post

Friendly suggestion: Don't do business with friends---even with lawyers involved---if someone can't afford to lose the purse.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Also, suggests lawyer friendly suggestions that may speedup the process.

Stanford University

They thus became known piecemeal and might be improved by friendly suggestions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lim Miller gave his staff strict instructions that they could not offer any advice - not even friendly suggestions.

The New York Times

Conversational forums where workers can share their experiences and offer friendly suggestions and constructive criticisms can build professional relationships.

Forbes

Both of these features use a simple and confidential process used to provide friendly suggestions: We hope you find something you like!

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering a "friendly suggestion", frame it in a way that emphasizes the potential benefits or positive outcomes for the recipient, rather than focusing on perceived shortcomings.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "friendly suggestion" in a way that sounds condescending or as if you know better than the other person. Use phrases like "You might consider" or "Have you thought about" to soften the approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friendly suggestion" functions as a noun phrase, where "friendly" modifies the noun "suggestion". It is typically used to introduce or preface a piece of advice or recommendation, often aiming to soften the impact of the suggestion itself. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "friendly suggestion" is a grammatically correct and useful way to offer advice in a polite and approachable manner, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is most commonly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While it's a useful phrase, it's essential to be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding condescending. Related phrases such as "polite recommendation" and "helpful advice" can be used as alternatives. Remember to consider the context and the recipient's openness when offering a "friendly suggestion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polite recommendation

Highlights the respectful nature of the advice.

considerate recommendation

Highlights the thoughtfulness and care behind the advice.

well-intentioned tip

Highlights the positive motive behind the advice.

constructive input

Emphasizes the intent to improve or build upon an existing idea.

supportive feedback

Emphasizes the encouraging and uplifting aspect of the guidance.

helpful advice

Focuses on the assistance provided rather than the personal tone of the suggestion.

practical suggestion

Focuses on the usefulness and applicability of the advice.

gentle reminder

Emphasizes a subtle urging, softening the directness of a suggestion.

cordial advice

Emphasizes the courteous and warm nature of the guidance.

kindly note

Introduces information with a gentle and considerate tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "friendly suggestion" to introduce a piece of advice or recommendation given in a kind and approachable manner. For example: "I have a "friendly suggestion": perhaps you could try a different approach."

What can I say instead of "friendly suggestion"?

You can use alternatives like "polite recommendation", "helpful advice", or "gentle reminder" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "friendly suggestion" and "advice"?

"Friendly suggestion" implies a more casual and less assertive approach than simply offering "advice". A "friendly suggestion" is often framed as something to consider, while "advice" can be more direct.

Is it always appropriate to offer a "friendly suggestion"?

While usually well-received, consider the recipient's openness to feedback and the relationship you have with them. In some situations, unsolicited advice, even when framed as a "friendly suggestion", might not be welcome.