10. S uggesti 0 n s

1. Discussion

When we want to suggest something in which we are to participate ourselves, we use one of the following forms:

Let's ...

Why don't we …?

Why not ,..?

What/How about ... ing?

We could/might ... - tentative

I suppose we could/might ... - more tentative

I suggest (that) … - a firmer suggestion, and more formal

I propose (that) ... - even stronger and more formal. Used mainly at meetings, official discussions, etc.

If we agree to a suggestion, we say:

Yes, let's (do that).

That's a (vera) good idea.

Good idea. - less formal

That/ it might be interesting.

OK. - informal, casual

All right. - willing but not enthusiastic

I don’t mind/ We might as well (do that). - rather indifferent

If we disagree, our reply depends to a greater ex­tent on the situation. Here are some commonly-used phrases:

I don't like… - only among friends (too abrupt for other situations)

e.g. - Let's go to the Picasso exhibition.

-I don't like modern art.

I’m not very keen on/ fond of… - more tactful

e.g. I'm not very keen on modern art.

I don't feel like it (at the moment / just now).

I'm too tired.

I'm feeling rather tired (today / at. the moment). - less abrupt

We haven't got time.

Have we got time?

There's no point.

I'd rather…

e.g. - Let's go on the bus.

- I'd rather walk, if you don't mind. I need some fresh air.

I'd rather not.

e.g. - Why don't we call in and see Diana?

-I'd rather not. She'll keep us talking for hours.

Let’ s not bother.

Don't let's bother.

Illustrative Dialogues

Note: The style of all these dialogues is informal- semi-formal.

1. Deciding what to do in the evening

A: What shall we do tonight?

B: Why don't we go to the cinema? There's a new Italian film on at the Odeon.

A: I don't feel like seeing a film.

B: Well, how about asking Martin and Jenny round for supper? If they're free, of course.

A: That's a good idea. We haven't seen them for ages.

But what can we give them for supper?

B: We could open a tin of meat. And make a salad.

A: OK, I'll go and give them a ring.

2. Deciding where to spend one's holiday

A: Where shall we go for our holiday this year?

B: Why not go to the south coast as usual?

A: I'd rather go somewhere different this year. Besides, the south coast is always so crowded in the summer.

B: Have you got any definite ideas?

A: I thought we might go to the Lake District for a change.

B: But the Lake District's almost as crowded as the south coast .in the holiday season. What about Wales? We could try and rent a cottage somewhere quiet. A: Yes, let's do that. The scenery there is really beautiful.

3. Choosing a birthday present

A: What shall we give Carol for her birthday?

B: What about a CD? She enjoys listening to music.

A: That's a bit risky. We might buy something she's already got.

B: Well, what do you suggest then?

A: Er ... I know. Let's give her an alarm clock. I heard her say she needed a new one.

B: That's not a very exciting present.

A: Perhaps not, but at least it's useful. Have you got a better idea?

B: Er…No. I can't think of anything else at the moment. All right. Let's get her an alarm clock.