How to Make, Accept and Refuse Suggestions in English [369]

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In this episode, you’ll learn how to make suggestions in natural, everyday English — and how to respond politely and clearly.

We look at:

• common ways to make suggestions
• how to accept a suggestion naturally
• how to reject a suggestion politely, without sounding rude
• how to add reasons to your response
• the intonation native speakers use when suggesting ideas

This episode is especially useful for conversations at work, in meetings, and in everyday situations where you need to share ideas or opinions.

Clear examples and simple explanations will help you sound more confident and natural when speaking English.

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Transcript

Speaker: 0:09

Hi there. This is Harry. And welcome back to our English lessons, where we try to help you to get a better understanding of the English language, to improve your vocabulary, to improve your grammar, introduce you to the use of verbs, phrasal verbs, expressions, idiomatic expressions. Okay, so what are we going to Well, today we're going to talk So making suggestions in And when we look at this we're suggestions that you can make. And then we're going to look at the responses that you might give in relation to positive responses or indeed negative responses. Okay. So when you're talking about are only suggestions. They're not obligatory. You're not forcing somebody to You're not making it a must. So we're not using language like Okay, so the suggestion so often with them is quite indirect. So you might see expressions would you consider. Yes. So you're using indirect type of It's more polite. And it goes very well with the because like all suggestions, They can accept this suggestion or indeed they can reject it and decide to do what they wanted to do. But after all, it is only a Okay, so let's look at those I'll give them to you again, Then we'll go down and look at a Would you be interested in. I thought perhaps you might I was thinking it would be nice, How or what about. Let's do you fancy, shall we? We might as well. Okay. Now, as I said, in all of these, They are recommendations. So the language is a little bit And a lot of the time we're should and would. And these are classics. When we're talking about suggestions and recommendations like I think you should go to the doctor. So you're not saying you have to go to the doctor, you must go to the doctor. No, it's I think you should go So I think you should. I think you should go. So when we use should, it's format of the verb. It's not followed by ING and it's not followed ever by the infinitive. Two. So it's the infinitive without I think you should go to the You're not feeling well. I think you should apologize to We made a lot of noise when we and I think they were getting a think you should apologize. I think you should probably take room and think about what you Okay. So suggestions and not should too. It's always you should go. You should eat. You should visit. You should apologize. You should wait. So it's that infinitive without Next would you be interested in. So they have lots of endings Would you be interested in going Would you be interested in going Would you be interested in Would you be interested in watching that new series on Netflix? So lots of ways we could suggest The important thing here, when we use would you be interested in it's followed by the verb with the I n g. So would you be interested in looking at would you be interested in going to the cinema? Would you be interested in Would you be interested in Would you be interested in So always I n g I n g not the that modal verb would at the not sure the person will agree. So it's not will. It's would because there's a a possibility they may not agree So would you be interested in I can get tickets. That's your favorite actor is You know how you like him. And we could do with a good I thought perhaps you might Okay. I thought you might. I thought perhaps you might like And again, here we follow it I thought perhaps you might like to spend the evening at home for a change. You're always going out. I thought perhaps you might like a lunch on Sunday. She hasn't seen the kids for And it's about time we got her I thought perhaps you might like was looking at. And I showed you on the internet And I'd think it would go well with this dress, don't you think? Yeah. I thought perhaps you might like To go, to buy. To watch. I was thinking it would be a would be a nice change if. What if we did this? If we did that, I was thinking it would be a nice change if we went on a holiday abroad this year. I was thinking it would be a nice change if we bought that new sofa we saw in the shop window. I was thinking it would be a Christmas on our own this year. We're always going to my folks time we had our own traditions. Let's start our own traditions. It'd be good. Be good for the kids to have a And sure, if your folks want to They're free to come if they wish, but I was thinking it would be a nice change if we decided. And after that. So if we decided, if we went, if If we should. Okay. So just different ways in which want to make suggestions. Next how about or what about. So how about going out on What about inviting your parents Monday is a bank holiday so we can have a couple of glasses of wine. We don't have to get up early What about painting the room? Yellow would be nice and bright. What about that car you saw? Are you really thinking of So how about what about. And then again followed by by How about painting? How about buying? How about inviting? How about doing something I. How Next. It's very short. Just let's Yeah, let's think Let's go mad. Let's paint it purple. Let's invite all our friends It'd be a great way to kick off The evenings are getting longer. Yeah, you love getting the We can really have a good time. Let's go away for the weekend. Let's just. On the spur of the moment, let's bag, drive off and see where the when we get there. Yeah. Why not? Let's do something spontaneous. Let's go wild. Let's do this. Let's take the children. Whatever it is, it's a Let's. Okay, so, you know, we use it in that truncated format because it's informal. Meaning let us but we always say, let's, let's do this, let's do that. Let's not fight. Let's not argue. Let's agree on something. Yeah. Okay. So let's do this. Let's do that. And in a much more informal do And when we say do you fancy Would you like to. So do you fancy going to the Do you fancy calling in for a Do you fancy grabbing a coffee I'd really like to bend your ear I really want to get your your Okay. Do you fancy a night in by the It's a really cold evening, and we could get one of those movies. Or indeed, see if there's any We haven't watched it for ages. Do you fancy doing nothing? Yeah. Why don't we just stay at home? Do you fancy? Do you fancy going? Do you fancy doing. Do you fancy meeting? Okay, so what have we got there? Yeah, we've got the I n g. Do Do you fancy meeting? Do you fancy doing absolutely And then a little more polite or Shall we? Shall we book that restaurant Shall we take a few days off and Shall we invite the neighbours They've moved in six months ago, and we've hardly said hello to them. Shall we do something special So lots of ways. And say, shall we? Now, of course, when we use, or I, we don't use it with shall It's always shall I, shall I Shall we? Shall we go away for the We promise. We said we would. So, you know, we've been putting Shall we do it this weekend? You know, the next weekend is a And after that, then it's going to get a little bit more expensive. So shall we do it now when we Shall we? And then finally, when you have have no choice and you say, There's nothing else to do or we I don't think they're going to So you're sitting in home, you're not sure whether Mike and his girlfriend are going to come round. They said they might. And they, you know, but you know what those couple are like sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. So, you know, if they're not not really going to come. So we might as well go to bed or movie that doesn't seem to be We might as well start dinner. The kids will catch up later on, and if they're late or late, they can stick it in the microwave. Okay, so we might as well. You can also say we may as well because may and might are interchangeable. So may might we can use both of We might as well. We may as well. And what it really means is we don't have any other choice, or it doesn't look as if we have any choice. So if we've got nothing better, Okay. So there the the phrases that we use when we're making suggestions. Okay. So I think you should would you perhaps you might like. I was thinking it would be a How about or what about let's do Or we might as well. So all the expressions and So what we want to look at next So somebody made a suggestion. So obviously they're expecting And the response can be a Or indeed it could be a negative So let's first of all look at So again I'll give them to you. And then we'll give you an idea Yeah that sounds like a great Yeah. That's not a bad idea. Brilliant. Oh, count me in. Two. Yeah, you're probably right. Sounds perfect. That would be lovely. It's a definite maybe from me. It's a definite maybe. Okay, so positive responses. Now, how will we use them? Well, that sounds like a great Well, I mean, if it's if it's the best idea you've heard or you can't come up with anything better. Well, you might as well go along sounds like a great idea. Why don't we book that We'll get there early and then who knows, after that we might go and see if there's any of the guys or the gang around, and we can have a quick drink before we come home. Yeah. So everything would be perfect. So. Yeah. Do you want me to book it or That sounds a really great idea. Let's do it. Mm. That's not a bad idea. So it's not perfect. It's not. Perhaps the idea you really were not a bad idea. It's, um. I'll give it a little bit more actually could work. Yeah, that's not a bad idea. So you've been looking to find a way of getting over a particular problem. You haven't been able to come up then somebody suggests this And then when you think about it, actually, that's not a bad idea. Yeah. I think you've got something there or I think you're on to something. Let's let's develop it a little Let's get the other guys in and Yeah, that's not a bad idea. Or if you're absolutely blown Wow. Brilliant. Why didn't I think of that? Brilliant. Yeah. That's just what we need. A weekend away. Get away from this weather. Get away from the city. Yeah. Let the kids go and stay with She'll love it for a couple of You and I will spend a couple of this time of the year. Yeah, we might get a bit wet, Yeah. Brilliant. That's a wonderful suggestion. Count me in two. Yeah, count me in two. So there's a bit more of a It's very positive. Count me in. Two means. Yeah. You can rely on me. I want to do that. So, you know, you're on your And the. The guys are talking about going away for a game of golf or going off to watch a match, and, you know, you just put the phone down. Yeah, yeah. Count me in too. Yeah. I'll go, I'll go. I'm in. So whatever the guys are doing, You know, you you don't spend so So. Yeah, it's a good Count me in too. Means? Yeah. Include me in the number. Whoever's organising the event. You're probably right. Now, this is not a wonderfully depends on what information you But if you're if you're reluctantly agreeing to somebody's suggestion. Yeah, you know, you're probably I, I really didn't give it Perhaps I should have thought before I responded. But you know me. I usually respond quickly. But yeah, I think you're When she comes home from school, up to her. Everything will be okay. You know the way she is. So, yeah, you're probably right. So usually mothers know best and negatively or didn't agree with Give any helpful suggestions to She's gone off on a little bit And yeah, your wife says to, you know, I think you might have thought about that a little bit longer. You probably answered a little bit too quickly and then, yes, you agree. Yeah, you're probably right. Yes. I'll wait till she gets home. And as I say, I will apologize you really can't see anything Yep. Sounds perfect. Perfect for me. Yeah, that sounds just what we Yeah. So, you know, we'll, um, get Forget about. Forget about work for the We'll get the all the their kids off to the the grannies will get the paint. And yes, that's a perfect way. I'll get the paint brushes. We can have it painted by another coach I can. I can do another coat of paint late on Saturday or even on Sunday and everything will be ready. The kids will be back Sunday evening and it'll look brand new. Nice smell of fresh paint, nice look of new paint and sure, why not? We might go and look at that change that sulfur you've been Yeah. So yeah, that sounds perfect to Oh, that would be lovely. Yeah. So a nice suggestion. So why don't I cook lunch on I'll invite your parents around. I'll do roast beef and some They always like a bit of that. And, you know, you can either make that apple pie or we can buy one in the, the bakery there. You know, dad really likes that. he had said, oh yeah, that would I wouldn't have to cook. You always cook the meat much Yeah. That's why. Why don't we do it? It sounds lovely. So it's a good idea, a good everybody will enjoy. And then the last one, it's a What do you mean it's a definite You can't be definite. And maybe. Well, you know, I've gotta go home and I've got to ask the wife. And, you know, she might or she I'll bring a bunch of flowers. She'll definitely. Definitely agree with it then. So, yeah, put me down as a Definite maybe. Okay. So they're positive responses So how about negative responses. Well. Of course when we talk about negative way to respond to no no I'm not interested. I'm not doing that. But sometimes just a plain ordinary no can come across as a little bit rude, depending on of course how you say no or no. Yeah. So you might want to say it in a objective is the same you don't So here are some suggestions as to how you might be negative in your response. I don't think so. I'm not sure that would be No, I'm not sure about that. Well, I don't know, to be It's not my cup of tea. No. Not really. I'm not keen on that idea. No, I'd rather not. I'd really rather not. I'm sorry. I really don't feel like it. So a lot of it is about the intonation that you can put into it. Because when you give the correct type of intonation, people will understand very quickly that the answer is no. But you're doing it in a nice way, a friendly way, a polite way, but you're still letting them know it's not going to happen? I don't think so. I don't think that's going to I really don't see that working. I just don't think so. I mean, I don't think this I just don't think so. So you're not bowled over by the You're not something that you difference to, to your life. And perhaps it's going to be a to get nothing out of it. Mm. I don't think so. I'm not sure that would be Yeah. So somebody suggested that perhaps to get together and go to the bar for a few drinks and then we'll go and have a meal together. He said, well, are you sure? I mean, I know this pandemic is over, and I know we don't have to wear masks anymore, but, you know, I think it's just a little bit early. I'm not so comfortable, so I'm not so sure that would be appropriate. Why don't we just invite a Yeah. So you know the guys, you know them well and, you know, in a couple of weeks or whatever, we can all get together in a bigger gang. So yeah, I'm not so sure. It's so appropriate now. Okay. And I think I'd prefer just a couple of people rather than a big gang. I'm not so sure about that. So again you're expressing a The suggestion I'm not so sure. And you really mean. No, no, I'm not so sure it will I'm not so sure it's the right Yeah, I'm just not so sure that I really understand what it's about. So let me think about it. Let me mull it over. Let me sleep on it. Whatever way you want to try and little bit more time to think probably going to say no. So, Well, I don't know. I just don't know. I mean, I've it's not something It's not something I've done What what what what if it goes Yeah. What if we. What if we lose our money? Yeah. That's. I'm not really so good on Um, you know, maybe we need a I just, like really, I just So suggestion that you should go and put your savings into cryptocurrency. And you think mm sounds But what do I know about I've read about it here and read But, you know, I could lose my Yeah. So. Ah, I don't know. Can we just wait a little bit Do a bit more research? Yeah. Do you know anybody who's invested in cryptocurrency recently? Do you know anybody who knows? Actually, something about it. Mm. I just don't know, to be It's not my cup of tea. So the guys want you to go and you to head off and go to a Ah, you know, I'm not a club I just don't like it. It's not my scene. It's not my cup of tea, to be I just don't want to do it, to It's not my cup of tea. I prefer, yeah, a quiet beer and, uh, you know, go to the football match or indeed go for a jog or go to the gym, but game of squash. Ah, no. Been there, done that. I don't really like it. It's just not my cup of tea. And then. Very definitive. No, no. Not really. Yeah. What do you think about that? Or do you think it's going to No. Not really. I think we've tried that before And it didn't work the first So I don't know why we believe to work the second time, so. No, not really. I'm not I'm not going to support Sorry. I'm not keen on that idea, but I mean, it's we could do with the holiday and we said we'd do something different. Yeah, but camping, I mean, you I don't like sleeping on the So how's it going to be fun? I tell you what. Why don't we go to that log We looked at the one up by the A few people I've seen on the internet have really recommended it. You'll be close to the water. There's a beach there if there. That's sunny. Huh? If it's sunny, we can lie out. Or we can go for a walk. We've got the smell of the pine We don't have to put up tents. We don't have to. To shake out sleeping bags with So that that would be a much, But no, I'm not keen on that No, thanks. It'll probably piddle rain and in no time, so. Nah, not keen on that idea. No, I'd rather not. So a little bit more definitive No, I'd rather not do that. In fact, what I'd rather do is I just fancy a nice, calm, quiet Now, I'd rather not thank you. Or just a general polite. I'm sorry. Look, I'm sorry. I really don't feel like it. Perhaps another time. Yeah, let's. Let's do it next weekend. It's a long weekend. There's a holiday on the Monday, Yeah, we could even go away for a couple of nights, but this weekend. Look, I really just want to. To rest up. It's been a tiring few weeks since, uh, the Christmas holiday, so. Yeah, I really don't feel like weekend sounds great. Okay, so you do say the now, but it might be something Okay, so negative responses to suggestions that people have made. So what we've done then we've looked at ways of making suggestions. And as you said a lot of the And then we've looked at how you respond both positively and negatively. So why don't you try some of them out, see if they work for you. Make sure that you understand If you don't come back to me and we can help and explain them again. As always, I really appreciate So join me again soon.