Suggesting and Offering

Suggest means to give a suggestion that is to introduce or propose an idea or a plan for someone’s consideration. Suggestions are abstract and can be in form of solutions, advice, plan, and idea. It can be accepted or refused. Social function: to facilitate interpersonal communication between different people.

For example:
- Let’s finish our home work first. 
- Let’s go home.

Expressions/Gambits

When making suggestions, we often use the following expressions.

- Let’s ..
- Why don’t we ...?
- We could ...
- What about ...?
- How about...?
- I suggest that ...
- You might want to change
- I think ...
- I don’t think ...


Examples of Suggestions

- Let’s go to the library.
- Let’s go to movies.
- Why don’t you do your homework before going out?
- We could eat at home today.
- What about eating at the new place?
- How about going to Sam’s place first?
- I suggest that we call it a day.
- You need to change your sleeping habits.
- I think you should go and meet her.
- I think we should do it this way.


Lets take a look at the sentence structure to suggest something. 

 
Responding to Suggestions

Offer means to give something physical or abstract to someone, which can be taken as a gift or a trade. Offer can be given in terms of food, money, solutions, friendship or a bargain. It can be taken or refused. Social function: to facilitate interpersonal communication between different people.

For example:
- Shall I take you home?
- Do you want help with your homework?

Expressions / Gambits

When making offers, we often use the following expressions.
- May I...?
- Can I ...?
- Shall I ...?
- Would you ...?
- How about I...?

Examples of Offers

- May I give you a hand?
- Can I help you?
- Shall I bring you some tea?
- Would you like another piece of cake?
- How about I help you with this?
- Can I clean the car for you?
- Shall I help you with your homework?
- I will do the washing, if you like.

Responding to Offers

 Let's take a look at the sentence structure to offer something.