What is suggestion? Pronunciation and usage in English

suggestion means . Learn how to pronounce and use suggestion through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of suggestion

suggestionnoun

/səˈdʒɛstʃən/
Definition & pronunciation of suggestion

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "suggestion." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. Syllables:

The word "suggestion" is broken down into three syllables:

  • suh - (like "suh" as in "sun")
  • jec - (this is the tricky part!)
  • tion - (like "shun")

2. Phonetics (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet - this is the most accurate way to describe it):

  • suh: /sə/
  • jec: /dʒeɪ/
  • tion: /ʃən/

3. Putting it together - A Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Start with "suh": Say "suh" like the beginning of the word "sun."
  • Add "jec": Now, quickly add the sound /dʒeɪ/. This is the sound in "jet." It's a short, quick 'jay' sound. It’s often described as almost like a very quick "jay" sound.
  • Finish with "tion": Finally, add the sound /ʃən/ – think of "shun."

4. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it all together, you should hear something like: suh-dʒeɪ-shən.

5. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't over-elongate the "jec" syllable: It's very brief. Don't drag it out.
  • The 'j' sound is key: Many people pronounce it like a "g." Focus on the "j" sound as in "jet."
  • Listen to native speakers: This is the best way to learn. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "suggestion" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/suggestion/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce suggestion" - you'll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Do you have a specific accent you're trying to match (e.g., American, British)? (Pronunciation can vary slightly between accents.)

Usage and examples with the word suggestion in English

Let's break down how to use the word "suggestion" in English. It's a very common and versatile word!

1. Basic Definition:

  • Suggestion (noun) – An idea offered as a possible course of action or way of doing something. It's a proposed idea, not a definite plan.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

  • Offering Ideas: This is the most frequent usage.

    • "I have a suggestion for dinner – let's try Italian."
    • "Do you have any suggestions on how to fix this problem?"
    • "She made a few suggestions about the design."

  • Responding to Ideas: You can respond to someone's suggestion.

    • "That's a good suggestion, thank you." (Agrees with the suggestion)
    • "I appreciate your suggestion, but I think we should do it a different way." (Disagrees politely, acknowledging the idea)
    • "I hadn’t thought of that suggestion – it’s brilliant!" (Positive response)

  • Making a Formal Proposal: "Suggestion" can be used in more formal contexts for proposals.

    • "We would like to make the following suggestions regarding the budget."
    • “The committee considered several suggestions before making a decision.”

  • As a Verb (Less Common): You can use "suggestion" as a verb, meaning "to propose an idea."

    • "I'll suggest that we start early tomorrow.” (More formal than "I'll propose...")
    • “He suggested a walk in the park.”

3. Phrases Using "Suggestion":

  • Suggestion box: A place where people can anonymously submit ideas.
  • Suggestion list: A written list of ideas.
  • Take a suggestion: To consider or accept an idea. ("Let's take your suggestion and try it.")
  • Welcome the suggestion: To positively respond to an idea.

4. Key Differences to Related Words:

  • Idea: A general thought or concept. A suggestion is a proposed idea.
  • Proposal: A more formal and detailed plan of action. A suggestion is typically less developed than a proposal.
  • Recommendation: A suggestion based on experience or knowledge, often implying a good choice. ("I recommend this restaurant.")

5. Examples in Sentences (Variety):

  • "Could you give me a suggestion for a present?"
  • "I had a suggestion about how we could improve the website layout.”
  • "The manager took all the employees' suggestions into consideration.”
  • “The teacher’s suggestion to read the chapter twice helped the student understand the material.”
  • “He gave me an honest suggestion to quit my job and start something new.”

Resources for More Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "suggestion" in? (e.g., a conversation, a written report, a presentation?)

Synonyms for the word suggestion

Idioms of the word suggestion

at/on somebody’s suggestion
because somebody suggested it
  • At his suggestion, I bought the more expensive printer.
  • At the suggestion of his boss, he resigned.

Practice with vocabulary suggestion

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The manager asked for creative __________ for improving team collaboration.
  2. She made a valuable __________ that we review the budget projections more thoroughly.
  3. The CEO carefully considered the board's __________ for the upcoming merger.
  4. His detailed __________ for the new product launch included a comprehensive market analysis.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The consultant offered several practical __________ for optimizing our supply chain efficiency. A) suggestions B) demands C) commands D) directives

  2. When asked about potential improvements, Sarah provided a thoughtful __________ regarding the new software's interface. A) suggestion B) instruction C) advice D) command

  3. We are open to any innovative __________ on how to enhance our customer service experience. A) recommendations B) proposals C) suggestions D) orders

  4. Before making significant changes, it's crucial to seek expert __________ on the legal ramifications. A) advice B) suggestion C) hint D) thought

  5. The team presented a comprehensive __________ for the project's next phase, outlining key milestones and resource allocation. A) plan B) notion C) proposal D) hint

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "suggestion": Original: "I proposed that we should review the security protocols annually."

  2. Rewrite the sentence using "suggestion": Original: "Perhaps we could implement a new system for tracking project progress."

  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word (do not use "suggestion"): Original: "The financial advisor offered several strategies for optimizing our investment returns."

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. suggestion
  2. suggestion
  3. recommendation
  4. proposal

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) suggestions
  2. A) suggestion, C) advice
  3. A) recommendations, B) proposals, C) suggestions
  4. A) advice
  5. A) plan, C) proposal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. My suggestion was that we review the security protocols annually.
  2. A suggestion was made to implement a new system for tracking project progress.
  3. The financial advisor offered valuable advice on optimizing our investment returns.

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