When offering advice, making recommendations, or sharing policy ideas, writers and speakers frequently wonder whether to use suggest doing or suggest to do. This common confusion occurs because many English verbs of advice—such as advise, allow, or encourage—accept an infinitive structure (“to do”). However, the verb suggest follows strict structural rules that differ from these other verbs.

The quick answer is: “suggest doing” is grammatically correct, whereas “suggest to do” is incorrect in standard English.

Whether you are writing a professional email, crafting an academic paper, or reporting news, mastering this rule ensures your language remains clear and polished. This comprehensive guide breaks down the underlying grammar rules, structural options, real-world examples, common pitfalls, and practice exercises.

Quick Reference Summary

Grammar Rule & Detailed Explanation

To understand why suggest doing is correct and suggest to do is wrong, you need to examine verb complements in English grammar. Certain verbs are followed by gerunds (verbs ending in -ing acting as nouns), while others are followed by infinitives (to + base verb).

Rule 1: Suggest + Gerund (-ing)

When the verb suggest is followed immediately by another action, you must use a gerund.

• Structure: Subject + suggest(s/ed) + verb-ing
• Correct: I suggest reviewing the policy before the meeting.
• Incorrect: I suggest to review the policy before the meeting.

Rule 2: Suggest + That-Clause (Subjunctive or Standard Verb)

If you want to mention the specific person who should perform the action, use a that-clause. In formal English, this clause takes the subjunctive mood (base form of the verb). In modern informal English, standard present tense forms are also widely used.

• Structure: Subject + suggest(s/ed) + (that) + Person + Base Verb
• Formal Subjunctive: The editor suggested that he check the sources.
• Informal / Conversational: The editor suggested that he checks the sources. (Note: The subjunctive “check” remains preferred in formal, academic, and business contexts).

Rule 3: Suggest + Noun

Suggest can directly take a direct object noun or noun phrase.

• Structure: Subject + suggest(s/ed) + Noun Phrase
• Example: The minister suggested a new reform.

Why “Suggest + Person + To Do” Fails

A widespread mistake among non-native and native speakers alike is using the pattern Suggest + Person + Infinitive:

• Incorrect: The lawyer suggested me to wait outside.
• Correct (Gerund): The lawyer suggested waiting outside.
• Correct (That-Clause): The lawyer suggested that I wait outside.

While verbs like advise, tell, order, and encourage allow the pattern Verb + Person + To Do (“She advised me to wait”), suggest does not allow an indirect object followed by an infinitive.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Structure “Suggest” Sentences

Follow these three simple steps whenever you write a sentence with suggest:

         Step 1: Is there a specific person performing the action?
                                /      \
                               /        \
                             NO          YES
                             /            \
                            v              v
               Use Gerund (-ing)      Use That-Clause
           "I suggest applying."     "I suggest that you apply."

1. Identify the intention: Are you recommending a general action, or specifying who should do it?
2. Select the pattern:
   • If recommending a general action (no named subject), attach the gerund directly: suggest + verb-ing.
   • If targeting a specific person, use a clause: suggest + (that) + subject + base verb.
3. Check for banned patterns: Scan your draft. If you see suggest to [verb] or suggest [person] to [verb], remove the word “to” and restructure the sentence.

Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Mistake 1: Using the Infinitive Instead of the Gerund

• Incorrect: The analyst suggested to alter the budget strategy.
• Correct: The analyst suggested altering the budget strategy.
• Why: Suggest cannot take an infinitive complement directly.

Mistake 2: Inserting a Direct Personal Object with an Infinitive

• Incorrect: My manager suggested me to take the leadership training.
• Correct: My manager suggested that I take the leadership training.
• Correct Alternative: My manager suggested taking the leadership training.
• Why: Suggest does not use the Object + Infinitive structure.

Mistake 3: Confusing Suggest with Advise

• Incorrect: The doctor suggested him to rest for three days.
• Correct: The doctor advised him to rest for three days.
• Correct: The doctor suggested that he rest for three days.
• Why: Advise permits Object + Infinitive, whereas suggest requires a that-clause or a direct noun/gerund.

Quick Memory Tricks

• The “S-I-G” Rule: Suggest Implies Gerund. Remember: Suggest pairs with -ing.
• The Swap Test: If you want to say “suggest to do,” replace suggest with recommend or advise:
  • Want to use an -ing form? Use Suggest or Recommend (I suggest leaving / I recommend leaving).
  • Want to use a person + to? Use Advise (I advise you to leave).

Comprehensive Example Bank (80 Original Examples)

Below is an extensive catalog of unique, publication-ready examples categorized by proficiency level, context, and usage environment.

1. Basic Level Examples (10)

1. I suggest eating lunch now before the meeting starts.
2. She suggested taking the train instead of driving.
3. They suggested going to the park this weekend.
4. He suggested buying a new laptop for work.
5. We suggest starting the project early.
6. The guide suggested wearing comfortable walking shoes.
7. Mary suggested ordering pizza for dinner.
8. Do you suggest staying at a hotel near the station?
9. Who suggested changing the team logo?
10. I suggest reading the instructions twice.

2. Intermediate Level Examples (10)

11. The committee suggested postponing the vote until next month.
12. Public health officials suggest washing hands frequently during winter.
13. Analysts suggest diversifying investment portfolios amid market fluctuations.
14. The teacher suggested practicing essay structures before the final exam.
15. I suggest contacting customer support to resolve the billing issue.
16. The architect suggested using sustainable materials for the renovation.
17. Environmentalists suggest reducing single-use plastics in daily life.
18. The report suggested increasing funding for renewable energy research.
19. We suggest allocating more time for testing before launch.
20. The technician suggested restarting the server to fix the bug.

3. Advanced Level Examples (10)

21. Legal counsel suggested filing an injunction to prevent further publication.
22. The economic policy panel suggested implementing targeted tax incentives.
23. Central bank governors suggested monitoring inflation indicators closely.
24. Diplomatic envoys suggested reopening bilateral negotiations immediately.
25. The audit board suggested restructuring the internal compliance oversight team.
26. Scholars suggest re-evaluating historical data through modern statistical models.
27. The commission suggested adopting stricter cybersecurity frameworks across sectors.
28. Epidemiologists suggested enhancing genomic surveillance of emerging strains.
29. Urban planners suggested integrating green corridors into municipal blueprints.
30. The board suggested initiating an independent review of corporate governance.

4. Daily Conversation Examples (10)

31. “What should we do tonight?” — “I suggest watching that new documentary.”
32. “My car is making a strange noise.” — “I suggest taking it to the mechanic.”
33. “It looks like rain.” — “I suggest bringing an umbrella.”
34. “I’m feeling exhausted.” — “I suggest getting some fresh air.”
35. “We ran out of coffee.” — “I suggest buying extra bags next time.”
36. “The traffic is terrible.” — “I suggest leaving a few minutes earlier.”
37. “I lost my keys!” — “I suggest checking your coat pockets.”
38. “This soup is bland.” — “I suggest adding a pinch of salt.”
39. “Should I take this job?” — “I suggest weighing the pros and cons first.”
40. “Where should we meet?” — “I suggest gathering at the central cafe.”

5. Academic & Research Writing Examples (10)

41. Recent studies suggest linking early literacy programs with long-term academic success.
42. The researchers suggest expanding the sample size in future trials.
43. Empirical evidence suggests adopting mixed-methods approaches in social science research.
44. The paper suggests reconsidering standard economic assumptions regarding consumer behavior.
45. Authors of the study suggest conducting longitudinal evaluations of patient outcomes.
46. Data from the census suggest shifting demographic patterns in suburban districts.
47. The literature review suggests exploring alternative theories of linguistics.
48. Scientists suggest combining satellite telemetry with ground observations.
49. The survey findings suggest improving accessibility standards across educational platforms.
50. Historical analysis suggests interpreting primary sources within their socio-political context.

6. Business & Corporate Writing Examples (10)

51. The consultancy firm suggests automating routine workflow tasks to increase efficiency.
52. Marketing directors suggest launching the campaign across digital channels simultaneously.
53. The financial officer suggested cutting discretionary spending for the quarter.
54. HR executives suggest introducing flexible remote-work policies to boost retention.
55. Operations leads suggest streamlining the supply chain vendor selection process.
56. The board of directors suggested expanding operations into Southeast Asian markets.
57. Risk managers suggest updating emergency response protocols annually.
58. The product design team suggests simplifying the user interface for new account creation.
59. Procurement agents suggest renegotiating contract terms with primary suppliers.
60. Consultants suggest aligning department key performance indicators with corporate strategy.

7. Professional Email Examples (10)

61. Dear Team, I suggest scheduling a brief sync call tomorrow morning to review project deliverables.
62. Hello Ms. Davis, Thank you for your note. I suggest discussing this contract amendment over the phone.
63. Hi Alex, I suggest attaching the final budget spreadsheet to the client proposal.
64. Dear Board Members, The executive committee suggests approving the revised bylaws at next week’s session.
65. Hi Sam, I suggest checking with the compliance team before publishing the release notes.
66. Dear Stakeholders, We suggest postponing the press announcement until final regulatory clearance is granted.
67. Hello Mark, I suggest sending the draft presentation to the team for early feedback.
68. Dear Client, We suggest submitting your tax documentation before the upcoming deadline.
69. Hi Team, I suggest creating a shared folder for all media assets related to this event.
70. Dear Department Chairs, I suggest reviewing the updated syllabus guidelines before the semester begins.

8. Journalism & Current Affairs Examples (10)

71. Political commentators suggest watching upcoming parliamentary debates closely.
72. Defense analysts suggest strengthening regional maritime security alliances.
73. Energy ministers suggest transitioning toward grid-scale battery storage facilities.
74. Human rights organizations suggest investigating international labor code violations.
75. Trade representatives suggest lowering customs duties to stimulate bilateral economic growth.
76. Housing policy experts suggest building affordable residential units near transit hubs.
77. Environmental reporters suggest monitoring deforestation rates following new legislation.
78. Foreign policy experts suggest maintaining open diplomatic channels during crises.
79. Financial journalists suggest preparing for potential interest rate adjustments by central banks.
80. Healthcare correspondents suggest expanding preventive screening initiatives nationwide.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Correct vs. Incorrect Sentences

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Error Identification & Correction

Identify whether the sentence is correct or incorrect. If incorrect, rewrite it correctly.

1. The supervisor suggested to complete the safety training by Friday.
2. I suggest trying the new seafood restaurant downtown.
3. The lawyer suggested her client to remain silent during questioning.
4. Our advisor suggested that we re-submit the grant proposal.
5. Do you suggest to hire an external auditor?

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation

Rewrite each sentence using the verb suggest and the prompt in parentheses.

1. “You should read the terms and conditions.” (Use: suggest + gerund)
2. “The CEO thinks the team ought to reduce operating costs.” (Use: suggest + that-clause)
3. “Why don’t we hire a project manager?” (Use: suggest + gerund)
4. “The consultant told me to upgrade my cybersecurity software.” (Rewrite using: suggested that…)
5. “Let’s take a short break.” (Use: suggest + gerund)

Answer Key & Explanations

Exercise 1 Answers

1. Incorrect. Correction: The supervisor suggested completing the safety training by Friday. (Direct action requires a gerund).
2. Correct. Uses suggest + gerund (trying).
3. Incorrect. Correction: The lawyer suggested that her client remain silent during questioning. (Cannot use person + infinitive).
4. Correct. Uses suggest + that + subject + base verb (that we re-submit).
5. Incorrect. Correction: Do you suggest hiring an external auditor? (Infinitive to hire is incorrect).

Exercise 2 Answers

1. I suggest reading the terms and conditions.
2. The CEO suggests that the team reduce operating costs.
3. I suggest hiring a project manager.
4. The consultant suggested that I upgrade my cybersecurity software.
5. I suggest taking a short break.

5-Question Quick Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
A) The teacher suggested us to study chapter four.
B) The teacher suggested studying chapter four.
C) The teacher suggested to study chapter four.
D) The teacher suggested us studying chapter four.

2. Fill in the blank: “The committee suggested _____ the policy deadline.”
A) to extend
B) extending
C) extend
D) him to extend

3. Choose the correct formal sentence:
A) The governor suggested that the committee approves the budget.
B) The governor suggested the committee to approve the budget.
C) The governor suggested that the committee approve the budget.
D) The governor suggested to approve the budget by the committee.

4. Why is “She suggested me to buy a car” ungrammatical?
A) Suggest cannot be used in the past tense.
B) Suggest does not allow a direct personal object followed by an infinitive.
C) The pronoun me must always come at the end of a sentence.
D) Buy should be in the past participle form.

5. Select the correct sentence pair:
A) Correct: I suggest calling late. / Incorrect: I suggest to call late.
B) Correct: I suggest to call late. / Incorrect: I suggest calling late.
C) Correct: I suggest him to call late. / Incorrect: I suggest that he call late.
D) Correct: I suggest to calling late. / Incorrect: I suggest call late.

Quiz Answers & Explanations

1. B — Suggest takes a gerund (studying) when no personal subject clause is used.
2. B — Extending is the gerund form required after suggest.
3. C — In formal English, suggest that takes the subjunctive base verb (approve).
4. B — Suggest never uses the Object + Infinitive structure (suggested me to buy).
5. A — Suggest calling is correct; suggest to call is ungrammatical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Suggest Doing or Suggest to Do

1. Can you ever use “suggest to do” in English?

No. In standard English grammar, suggest is never followed directly by an infinitive (to + verb). You must use a gerund (suggest doing), a noun phrase (suggest an idea), or a clause (suggest that someone do something).

2. Is “suggest that you do” grammatically correct?

Yes, absolutely. Using suggest + that + subject + verb is perfectly correct and is the preferred way to direct a suggestion toward a specific person or group. In formal contexts, use the base verb (subjunctive mood): “I suggest that she apply for the role.”

3. What is the difference between “suggest” and “recommend”?

Grammatically, suggest and recommend follow the exact same structural rules:

• Correct: I suggest/recommend taking a break.
• Correct: I suggest/recommend that you take a break.
• Incorrect: I suggest/recommend you to take a break.

Meaning-wise, recommend carries slightly stronger personal endorsement than suggest.

4. Why can I say “advise me to go” but not “suggest me to go”?

English verbs belong to different structural categories. Verbs like advise, allow, encourage, and tell allow an indirect object followed by an infinitive (“He advised me to go”). Verbs like suggest, recommend, and propose do not permit this pattern and require a gerund or a that-clause.

5. Is “I suggest you do it” acceptable without “that”?

Yes. In casual spoken and written English, the word that is frequently omitted from clauses: “I suggest you take a rest” is widely accepted and understood as equivalent to “I suggest that you take a rest.”

Conclusion on Suggest Doing or Suggest to Do

Mastering the distinction between suggest doing and suggest to do is a fast way to make your written and spoken English sound natural and correct. Remember the golden rule: Never follow “suggest” directly with an infinitive (“to do”) or a personal object + infinitive (“suggest me to do”). Stick to a gerund (suggest doing) or a full clause (suggest that you do), and your communications will remain flawless across academic, business, and daily settings.

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Disclaimer

This article is provided for educational and instructional purposes only. It follows standard American and British English grammatical guidelines recognized by major style guides (Chicago Manual of Style, Oxford English Grammar, and AP Stylebook).

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