suggestion
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sədʒˈɛstʃən/
US
- /səˈdʒɛstʃən/
Description
- idea
- proposal
- hint
- recommendation
A suggestion is an idea offered for someone to consider, like mentioning a good movie to watch or a better way to solve a problem. It is not a command. It is simply something put forward for others to think about.
Think of a chef suggesting a drink with your meal. They are not telling you what to choose; they are offering an idea that might make the meal better. Or a friend might suggest going to the beach instead of the movies. The choice is still yours. "Suggestion" is the noun, as in "I followed her suggestion." The verb is "suggest," as in "I suggest we leave early." Sometimes even a small hint can lead someone to act.
A suggestion is an idea or proposal offered as a possibility, often with the intention of influencing someone's decision or course of action. It is more gentle than a demand and less definitive than an instruction. For example, the sentence "The doctor suggested she get more rest" implies professional advice while leaving the final choice to the patient.
Suggestions can range from simple hints ("He subtly suggested I try the chocolate cake") to detailed formal proposals ("Her suggestion for restructuring the team was well-received"). They often involve offering a potential solution, alternative, or improvement to a current situation.
The context of a suggestion is important. A suggestion box in an office invites employees to share ideas, often without naming themselves, and helps create a more collaborative environment. Beyond spoken or written words, a suggestion can also come through a subtle cue, like a raised eyebrow or a knowing glance, that expresses an idea without saying it directly.
The power of a suggestion lies in its ability to place an idea in someone's mind and let that person think about it freely. It is about offering possibilities rather than forcing a decision. So whether you are sharing advice, helping solve a problem, or gently pointing toward a better option, a suggestion acts as a soft push toward a new idea or direction.
Examples
- 1
Personal advice
Thanks for your suggestion - I'll try it tomorrow.
- 2
Report feedback
She made a few suggestions about how to improve the report.
- 3
Following advice
I followed your suggestion and turned my phone off during the meeting.
- 4
Travel planning
He ignored my suggestion to book the tickets early.
Pattern
suggestion to do X
an idea that someone should do it
- 5
Committee decision
The committee rejected her suggestion that the deadline be extended.
Pattern
suggestion that + clause
an idea about what should happen
- 6
Acting on advice
At Anna's suggestion, we moved the party outside.
Phrase
at someone's suggestion
because that person advised it
- 7
Route choice
I'm open to suggestions if you know a better route.
Phrase
open to suggestions
willing to hear ideas
- 8
Slight sign
There was a suggestion of tension between the two managers.
Pattern
a suggestion of + quality/feeling
a slight sign of it
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- suggestionnoun
Forms
- suggestionspluralnoun