4.42 suggestions

There are several ways in which you can make a suggestion:

* you can use the modal 'could' in a declarative sentence (see paragraph 4.187)

• We could have tea.
• You could get someone to dress up as a pirate.

* you can use a negative 'wh'-question beginning with 'why'

• Why don't we just give them what they want?
• Why don't you write to her yourself?

* you can use a question consisting of 'what about' or 'how about' in front of a non-finite clause

• What about becoming an actor?
• How about using makeup to dramatize your features?

* you can use the imperative mood.

• 'Give them tuppence reward each,' I suggested.

You can also make a suggestion about what you and someone else might do by using 'let's'. This use is explained in paragraph 4.35.