we suggest that you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we suggest that you" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are providing advice or making a suggestion. For example, "We suggest that you consider enrolling in a first aid course to increase your job prospects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We suggest that you revise the manuscripts to incorporate a response to these suggestions, and send it back for re-review.

eLife

We suggest that you avoid them.

The Guardian - Money

To determine if you will have access to newyorker.com, we suggest that you link your subscription.

The New Yorker

We suggest that you start from there, and then look at the javado, etc. as needed.

Stanford University

We suggest that you search for internship opportunities through career services and the Crimson Careers database.

Harvard University

We suggest that you install the excellent and free SSH client PuTTY.

Harvard University

We suggest that you plan a minimum amount of US$225 per week for meals.

Cornell University

We suggest that you use the machines on Friend 017 for the programming assignments.

Princeton University

We suggest that you instead name them with numerical name of the register, e.g. x1, x2.

University of California, Berkeley

Might we suggest that you turn off the hype and look out the window?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We suggest that you choose recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed insights.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing for suggestions. Overusing "we suggest that you" can make your writing sound repetitive. Incorporate alternatives like "we recommend" or "it's advisable to" to enhance readability and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Be mindful of the power dynamic when using "we suggest that you". In some contexts, it can sound presumptuous, especially when addressing someone in a higher position or someone who didn't ask for it. Consider softer alternatives if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we suggest that you" functions as a directive speech act, offering advice or a recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts where providing suggestions is appropriate. Examples include academic papers, news articles, and general advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we suggest that you" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for offering advice or recommendations. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is appropriate in many contexts, but it’s especially prevalent in academic and news-related writing. When using this phrase, consider the power dynamic and audience to avoid sounding presumptuous. For variations, consider alternatives such as "we recommend that you" or "it is suggested that you", depending on the desired level of formality. Varying your phrasing will also improve readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we recommend that you

Emphasizes a more formal endorsement or positive evaluation.

we advise that you

Implies a level of expertise and offers guidance based on that expertise.

it is suggested that you

Passively voice suggestion reducing directness and personal accountability.

we propose that you

Indicates a more formal suggestion, often used when presenting a plan or course of action.

we urge you to

Conveys a stronger sense of importance or necessity.

we encourage you to

Highlights the potential benefits of following the suggestion.

you may want to consider

Offers a softer, less direct suggestion, implying that the recipient has a choice.

have you considered

Presents the suggestion as a question, prompting reflection and consideration.

it might be beneficial to

Focuses on the potential advantages of the suggested action.

we believe it would be wise to

Adds a layer of judgment and indicates that the suggestion is based on careful consideration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we suggest that you" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "we recommend that you" or "it is suggested that you". These options convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional distance.

What are some less direct alternatives to "we suggest that you"?

If you want to be less assertive, consider using phrases like "you may want to consider" or "have you considered". These options offer a suggestion without imposing a strong recommendation.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "we suggest"?

While including "that" after "we suggest" is grammatically correct and often preferred in formal writing, it is sometimes omitted in informal contexts. However, for clarity and professionalism, it's generally best to include the "that".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "we suggest that you"?

Avoid using "we suggest that you" when offering unsolicited advice or when addressing someone in a position of authority. In such cases, it might be better to use a more tentative or respectful tone.