Suggestion: 'could / let's / shall'

A2 Elementary

Use 'could', 'let's', and 'shall' to suggest ideas, make plans, or offer help to other people.

Overview

These three forms allow you to propose ideas with different levels of directness. Let's is used for group actions that include the speaker. Shall is used in questions to offer help or ask for a suggestion. Could is a polite way to offer a possibility.

Form

could / let's / shall + base verb

All three forms are followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive without 'to').

Choosing the right form

Form	Usage	Example
Let's	A suggestion for the whole group (including you).	Let's go to the cinema.
Shall we...?	Asking for agreement on a group suggestion.	Shall we eat at 8:00?
Shall I...?	Offering to do something for someone else.	Shall I carry your bag?
Could	Suggesting a possible option or solution.	We could take the bus.

Examples

Common mistakes

Let's to go to the beach.
Let's go to the beach.
Do not use 'to' after let's, could, or shall.
Shall we going now?
Shall we go now?
Use the base form of the verb, not the -ing form.

Practice

Complete the suggestion: "It's very hot in here. ____ I turn on the air conditioning?"
Show answer
Shall
Answer:Shall
Why:'Shall I' is the standard way to offer help or do something for another person.
Make a suggestion for the group: "____ go to that new Italian restaurant for lunch."
Show answer
Let's
Answer:Let's
Why:'Let's' (let us) is used to suggest an activity for the speaker and the listener together.
Which is correct? A) We could visiting the museum. B) We could visit the museum.
Show answer
B
Answer:B
Why:The modal verb 'could' must be followed by the base form of the verb ('visit'), not the gerund ('visiting').