When using the verb “suggest,” you can structure your sentence in a couple of different ways, particularly when indicating recommendations or advice. Two common constructions are:
- “Suggest” followed by a (gerund’s subject and) gerund
- “Suggest” followed by the subjunctive mood
1. “Suggest” Followed by Gerund’s Subject and Gerund
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In this structure, “suggest” is followed by a possessive noun or pronoun (acting as the subject of the gerund) and then the gerund form of the verb (the -ing form).
Structure:
- Subject + suggest + (possessive noun/pronoun +) gerund
Examples:
- I suggest your applying for the scholarship.
- Here, “your” is the subject of the gerund “applying.”
- She suggested his taking a different route to avoid traffic.
- They suggested (our) starting the project early.
Explanation:
The gerund (applying, taking, starting) functions as a noun in the sentence.
The possessive noun or pronoun (your, his, our) indicates who is performing the action of the gerund.
2. “Suggest” Followed by the Subjunctive Mood
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In this construction, “suggest” is followed by a clause that uses the base form of the verb, creating a subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express suggestions, demands, or recommendations.
Structure:
- Subject + suggest + that + subject + base verb
Examples:
- I suggest that you apply for the scholarship.
- “Apply” is the base form of the verb, used without “to.”
- She suggested that he take a different route to avoid traffic.
- They suggested that we start the project early.
Explanation:
The verb after the subject remains in its base form (apply, take, start) regardless of the subject’s number or person.
The word “that” introduces the subjunctive clause but is sometimes omitted in casual speech.
____________________________
| “Suggest” + (Subject) + Gerund | “Suggest” + Subjunctive |
|---|---|
| The guide suggested leaving early. | The guide suggested (that) we (should) leave early. |
| The guide suggested our leaving earlier. | The guide suggested (that) we (should) leave earlier. |
| The tutor suggests John’s studying harder. | The tutor suggests (that) John (should) study harder. |
| They suggest his waiting here. | They suggest (that) he (should) wait here. |
| We suggest their taking a break. | We suggest (that) they (should) take a break. |
| He suggested my reading that book. | He suggested (that) I (should) read that book. |
| The coach suggested the player’s practicing daily. | The coach suggested (that) the player (should) practice daily. |
English Grammar Quiz 1.1.16b
© Konstantinos Mylonas