Lesson39
【Lesson 39】
◆English expressions to make modest suggestions
◆Key Expressions Part 1
May I suggest ~?
How about ~ (~ing)?
Why don’t you ~?
◆Let’s try the following exercises.
Q: Your colleague is dealing with an important document on the computer. You notice that he hasn’t made a backup file. What would you say?
A: May I suggest that you make a backup copy, just to be on the safe side?
Q: Your girlfriend is thinking of buying a coffee table for a friend’s housewarming gift. However, you think the table is ugly and won’t fit in with the rest of the furniture they have. What would you say?
A: How about getting something else? I don’t think the coffee table is their style.
Q: You are in a store with your friend. He wants to buy an expensive bicycle that you know he can’t afford. What would you say?
A: Why don’t you think about it? You can always come back later.
◆Key Expressions Part 2
Have you considered ~?
Wouldn’t it be better to ~?
It might be better if you ~ / You might want to ~
◆Let’s try the following exercises.
Q: Your friend is stressed from work. He says he can’t sleep well, and he feels tired all the time. You think it would be best if he takes a holiday. What would you say?
A: Have you considered taking some time off from work? A vacation might be good for you.
Q: You are going to see a movie with your friend. Your friend suggests taking the bus, but you want to take the train since the roads are probably congested with traffic. What would you say?
A: Wouldn’t it be better to take the train? I think it would be quicker.
Q: Your father is going for a walk. You remember hearing on the radio that there is an 80% chance of rain in the afternoon. What would you say?
A: You might want to take an umbrella. The weather forecast said it might rain.