make a suggestion

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a suggestion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to provide a recommendation or idea. For example: "Feel free to make a suggestion if you have an idea for how we can solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

May I make a suggestion?

Yale University

"May I make a suggestion?" she says.

The New Yorker

Can Lost in Showbiz make a suggestion?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Did someone make a suggestion that you haven't yet tried?

Columbia University

So, may I (a non-smoker incidentally) make a suggestion?

Independent

"Dave, can I make a suggestion?" Colicchio said.

The New Yorker

Meditation: Pardon me, but may I make a suggestion?

The New Yorker

He'll make a suggestion like: "Maybe something with Wolf Blitzer?

The New York Times

Warren: Well let me make a suggestion on this.

The Washington Post

You can, at the very least, make a suggestion.

The Washington Post

Remember, this is the perfect opportunity to make a suggestion.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a suggestion", clearly state the context or problem you're addressing to ensure your suggestion is relevant and well-received.

Common error

While "make a suggestion" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "offer a recommendation" or "propose a solution" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a suggestion" functions as a performative speech act, where the utterance itself constitutes the action of offering an idea or recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a suggestion" is a versatile and frequently used expression for offering an idea or recommendation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples from news, academic, and general sources. While alternatives like "offer a recommendation" may be more appropriate for formal settings, "make a suggestion" remains a clear and accessible way to introduce an idea for consideration, especially in news and media. It is important to use this phrase in context in order to be effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a recommendation

Replaces "suggestion" with "recommendation", implying a more formal or expert opinion.

provide input

More general, focusing on contributing to a discussion or decision.

give advice

Implies offering guidance based on experience or knowledge.

put forward an idea

Focuses on introducing a new concept for consideration.

propose a solution

Suggests offering a specific resolution to a problem.

offer a proposal

Similar to 'propose a solution' but can be broader in scope.

float an idea

Informal, suggesting a trial balloon approach to introducing an idea.

table a motion

Suggests putting an item on a formal agenda for discussion (primarily used in formal or business settings).

venture an opinion

Implies hesitance or uncertainty in offering a viewpoint.

share a thought

Informal, focusing on sharing an idea without necessarily expecting action.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a suggestion" to introduce an idea or recommendation, such as in the sentence, "May I "make a suggestion" regarding the budget allocation?"

What is a more formal alternative to "make a suggestion"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "offer a recommendation" or "propose an alternative" instead of "make a suggestion".

When is it appropriate to use "make a suggestion"?

"Make a suggestion" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to professional meetings, when you want to offer an idea for consideration.

Is there a difference between "make a suggestion" and "give advice"?

While similar, ""make a suggestion"" typically introduces an idea for consideration, while "give advice" implies offering guidance based on expertise or experience.