Suggest, Recommend, Advise

Here are guidelines on how to use suggest, advise, and recommend correctly in sentences.

1. Using “Suggest” #

• Suggest is used to share an idea, plan, or possible course of action.
• Structures:

1. Suggest + gerund (verb + -ing)
   • “She suggests going to the park.”
2. Suggest + noun
   • “He suggested a new restaurant.”
3. Suggest + that + subject + base form of the verb (without “to”)
   • “I suggest that he arrive early.”

Note: Avoid using a personal pronoun like “me” or “him” directly after suggest. Say, “She suggested going” instead of “She suggested me to go.”

2. Using “Recommend” #

• Recommend is similar to suggest but often implies a positive endorsement of the idea or thing being proposed.
• Structures:

1. Recommend + gerund (verb + -ing)
   • “They recommend trying the new cafe.”
2. Recommend + noun
   • “I recommend this book.”
3. Recommend + that + subject + base form of the verb
   • “She recommends that he apply for the position.”

Tip: Like suggest, recommend doesn’t take a direct object like “me” or “him.” Instead, use “that he/she do something” or the gerund form.

3. Using “Advise” #

• Advise is used to give a recommendation, often with authority or expertise. It’s generally stronger than suggest and recommend.
• Structures:

1. Advise + someone + to + verb
   • “The doctor advised him to rest.”
2. Advise + that + subject + base form of the verb (more formal)
   • “The manager advised that we arrive early.”

Note: Advise typically requires a personal pronoun or noun before the verb, such as “him,” “her,” or “them” (e.g., “She advised them to check the instructions”).

Quick Comparison #

Here’s an exercise to practice using suggest, recommend, and advise with the correct structures. Try using these guidelines to complete each sentence. The answer key is provided below.

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks #

Complete each sentence with the correct form of suggest, recommend, or advise. Use the appropriate structure for each verb.