Three Key Patterns for Suggestions
When using verbs like suggest, recommend, and propose, there are three distinct patterns:
1. With subjunctive: suggest/recommend/propose that + subject + base verb
2. With normal that clause: suggest/recommend/propose that + subject + present tense
3. With gerund: suggest/recommend/propose + gerund (-ing form)
1. With subjunctive: suggest/recommend/propose that + subject + base verb
2. With normal that clause: suggest/recommend/propose that + subject + present tense
3. With gerund: suggest/recommend/propose + gerund (-ing form)
The Subjunctive Pattern
In formal situations, especially in American English, we use the base form of the verb (subjunctive) after 'that':
– I suggest that he take the exam next week.
– The committee recommends that she accept the position.
– They propose that the meeting be postponed.
– I suggest that he take the exam next week.
– The committee recommends that she accept the position.
– They propose that the meeting be postponed.
The Normal That Clause Pattern
More common in British English and informal situations, using normal present tense:
– I suggest that he takes the exam next week.
– The committee recommends that she accepts the position.
– They propose that the meeting is postponed.
– I suggest that he takes the exam next week.
– The committee recommends that she accepts the position.
– They propose that the meeting is postponed.
The Gerund Pattern
When the suggestion is more general or the subject is the same:
– I suggest taking the exam next week.
– The committee recommends accepting the position.
– They propose postponing the meeting.
– I suggest taking the exam next week.
– The committee recommends accepting the position.
– They propose postponing the meeting.
Examples
The doctor suggests that he rest for a few days.Subjunctive form (formal): base verb 'rest' after 'that'
I recommend that she studies harder.Normal that clause: present tense 'studies' after 'that'
They propose meeting earlier tomorrow.Gerund pattern: -ing form when the suggestion is general
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I suggest him to go.
✅ Correct: I suggest that he go/goes OR I suggest going
Explanation: These verbs cannot be followed by infinitive (to go)
❌ Incorrect: They recommend to study more.
✅ Correct: They recommend studying more OR They recommend that you study more
Explanation: Must use gerund or that clause, not infinitive
❌ Incorrect: She suggests that he will go.
✅ Correct: She suggests that he go/goes
Explanation: Future tense not used in that clause after suggest
Tips for Success
- In formal writing, especially in American English, prefer the subjunctive form
- Use the gerund form when making general suggestions or when the subject remains the same
- Remember that these verbs never take infinitive forms (to + verb)
- All three patterns (subjunctive, normal that clause, and gerund) are correct but used in different contexts
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Building on formal vs informal usage from previous pages
- Expanding reporting verb patterns with specific focus on suggestions
- Preparing for advanced patterns in next lesson