Published at February 17, 2025

Course on Making Suggestions and Proposals - TOEIC® Preparation

TOP-Students™

To achieve a good TOEIC® score, it is essential to master the different ways to make a suggestion or proposal in English. In this course, we will review the main modals and structures used to suggest, propose, or invite someone to do something.

1. « Should » for making a strong suggestion

The modal « should » is used to express advice or a strong suggestion. It is one of the most used modals in English when you want to recommend something.

You should take a break; you look exhausted.
Should we review the report before sending it?
You shouldn't skip meals if you want to stay focused.

You can find the course on expressing advice for the TOEIC® here.

2. « Could » for making a suggestion

The modal « could » can be used to make a softer or less direct suggestion than should. It indicates a possibility or a simple suggestion, without the strong advice aspect.

We could schedule a meeting next week to discuss the new project.
Could we meet tomorrow to go over the details?

3. « Would » for making a proposal

To make a proposal or an invitation, you can use the modal « would », especially in the form « Would you like…? ».

I would suggest we take a short break before continuing.
Would you like to join us for lunch?
I would recommend talking to your manager first.

4. « Shall » for making a formal proposal

The modal « shall » is mainly used in the first person (singular or plural) to propose something formally or to ask for an instruction. It is therefore mainly used in interrogative sentences.

It is less used in modern American English, but it remains common in more formal contexts or to give a certain elegance to the speech, especially in British English.

Shall we order pizza for everyone?
Shall I call a taxi for you?

5. « Let's » for making a proposal or suggestion

Let's (contraction of let us) is a very natural and direct way to make a proposal or suggestion including the speaker and the interlocutor.

Let's have a break now and come back in ten minutes.
Let's not forget to send the email to the client.

6. « Why don't we/you … » for making a proposal or suggestion

This structure is widely used in English to suggest an idea or encourage someone to do something. It remains friendly while being less direct than should.

Group suggestion: Why don't we + base verb?
- Why don't we go to the new Italian restaurant tonight?
Individual suggestion: Why don't you + base verb?
- Why don't you talk to your boss about this issue?

7. « How / What about … » for making a proposal or suggestion

The expressions « How about + noun / verb in -ing » and « What about + noun / verb in -ing » are simple and informal ways to propose an idea or to ask for another person's opinion. They indicate that you want to submit an option and know your interlocutor's reaction.

How about starting the presentation with a short video?
What about going for a walk during our lunch break?
How about a cup of tea before we begin?

8. « Would you like…? » for making a proposal or suggestion

The expression « Would you like…? » can be used to make a polite and professional invitation.

Would you like to join our team for coffee?
Would you like some help with your presentation?
Would you like to take part in the new project?

Conclusion

Remember that each modal and each structure has a specific function: should for strong advice, could for softer suggestions, would for polite proposals, and let's to directly include your interlocutor.

The most important thing is to always adapt your choice to the context and the required level of formality. This summary table is here to help you remember these modals and avoid common mistakes!

Summary of modals expressing a proposal or suggestion

Modal / Structure	Level of Politeness	Example
Should	Advice / suggestion	You should see a doctor.
Could	Soft suggestion	We could meet later if you're free.
Would	Polite invitation / suggestion	Would you like to join us?
Shall	Formal proposal (especially UK)	Shall we discuss this now?
Let's	Direct and inclusive invitation	Let's go for a walk.
Why don't we…?	Friendly suggestion	Why don't we ask the manager?
How about…? / What about…?	More informal proposal	What about visiting the new museum?
Would you like…?	Polite invitation	Would you like to come with us?

Key Points to Remember on Modals Expressing a Proposal or Suggestion

You must choose the right modal according to the right context:
- Formal register: Would you like to…?, Shall we…?, Should we…?
  - Often used in professional settings (in meetings, interviews, work emails), where politeness and clarity are paramount.
- Neutral / common register: Let's…, Why don't we…?, Could we…?
  - Suitable for daily use in business, among colleagues or partners who are on familiar terms or work together regularly.
- Informal register: How about…?, What about…?
  - Used more among friends or close colleagues; however, these phrases remain perfectly acceptable in an informal professional environment.
Should expresses a more assertive advice than could.
In English, place the modal at the beginning of the sentence to ask a question
- Should we…?, Could we…?, etc.
Avoid using two modals in the same sentence
- We should could talk about it is incorrect.
After a modal, the verb always remains in the infinitive without to (except after would like, where you use to + verb).

Other courses on modals

To learn more about modals, you can read our different courses on the subject: