ENGLISH
REFERENCE

suggest

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //səˈdʒɛst// UK //sədʒˈɛst// sug·gest Archaic General-service

v. to offer an idea or a plan for someone to think about. You use this when you want to give a helpful option without telling someone exactly what to do.

v. to propose a plan, person, or object for consideration; to mention an idea as a possible course of action. Transitive — requires a direct object or a clausal complement.


SIMPLE

I suggest we go for a walk.

CONTEXTUAL

The waiter will suggest a good wine to pair with your dinner if you ask him.

COMPLEX

Recent data suggest that the economic recovery may be slower than initially anticipated, though analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term outlook.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Coined based on Latin suggestus, perfect passive participle of suggerō (“bring up, bring under, lay beneath, furnish, supply, excite, advise, suggest”, verb), from sub (“from below, under”) + gerō (“bear, carry”, verb).

Usage

Takes a direct object, a 'that' clause, or a gerund (-ing form). When followed by a 'that' clause, the subjunctive or 'should' is often used in formal contexts.

Pitfall

He suggested me to goHe suggested that I goSuggest cannot be followed by an indirect object + infinitive; it requires a 'that' clause or an -ing form.

© 2026 English Reference