suggest

UK:*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/səˈdʒɛst/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/səgˈdʒɛst, sə-/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(səg jest, sə-)

WordReference Collins English Usage © 2025
suggest
When you suggest something, you mention it as a plan or idea for someone to consider.
Your doctor will probably suggest time off work.
We have to suggest a list of possible topics for next term's seminars.
Be careful
Suggest is not usually followed directly by a noun or pronoun referring to a person. You usually have to put the preposition to in front of it. You don't ‘suggest someone something’; you suggest something to someone.
Laura first suggested this idea to me.
Don't ‘suggest someone to do something’ when you mean that you advise them to do it. You suggest that someone does something.
I suggest that he writes her a letter.
I'm not suggesting we leave her here.
In sentences like these, you can also use an infinitive without to in the that-clause. This is a fairly formal use.
He suggested she talk to a psychologist.
The modals might and should are sometimes used. This is a formal use.
He suggested we might go there straight after dinner.
His wife suggested that he should start a school.
Be careful
Don't confuse suggest and advise. If you suggest something, you mention it as an idea or plan for someone to think about. If you advise someone to do something, you tell them what you think they should do.
I advised him to leave as soon as possible
Advising someone Suggestions
'suggest' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

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