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"Suggest" is to offer an idea informally; "propose" is to present a formal proposal or to make a marriage proposal.
Side-by-side comparison
To offer an idea, recommendation, or possibility. Informal, without strong commitment from the speaker.
I suggest we take a break and come back to this tomorrow.
Can you suggest a good restaurant near here?
The data suggests that sales will improve next quarter.
To present a formal plan or official proposal, or to make a marriage proposal.
He proposed a new strategy to the board of directors.
She proposed to him on their anniversary. He said yes.
The committee proposed several amendments to the law.
Common mistake
- •"I propose we eat pizza tonight" sounds very formal for a casual decision: "I suggest we eat pizza" is natural.
- •The reverse: "He suggested to marry her" sounds informal and ambiguous for a marriage proposal, the correct phrase is "He proposed to her."
Trick to remember it
Formality indicator: in a meeting discussing an official strategy or plan? "Propose." Casual conversational suggestion? "Suggest." A marriage proposal is always "propose": "He suggested marriage" exists but sounds cold and does not imply the classic romantic gesture.
Quick rule
- •Suggest = suggest (informal, everyday).
- •Propose = formally propose (official context) or propose marriage.
Did you know?
Grammatically, SUGGEST and PROPOSE have different behaviors that go beyond register. SUGGEST cannot be followed by TO + infinitive: "I suggest to go" is wrong. Correct: "I suggest going" (gerund) or "I suggest that we go" (clause). PROPOSE can be followed by TO + infinitive when the subject proposes to do something themselves: "I propose to change the policy" (I propose to change it, I will do it). Many native speakers make the error of "suggest + to + infinitive", it is one of the most common grammar errors even among advanced speakers.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
He _____ ed that they meet on Friday afternoon instead of Monday.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
She _____ ed to her boyfriend while they were on holiday in Paris.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
"Ask" is to inquire or request informally; "request" is to ask formally or officially.
"Say" is to produce words; "mean" is the intention or meaning behind them.
"Think" expresses an opinion or assumption; "believe" expresses conviction or faith.
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy