LET'S LEARN! 📚
MAKING SUGGESTIONS OR ADVICE
- The most common way to make a suggestions is to use the modal "should".
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You should talk to your manager about your concern.
Example:
- We can change the word "should" to "need" if we want to use stronger language.
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You need to update the client about the project's status before the end of the day.
Example:
- "Could" is much softer and more indirect than using "should". We use "could" to give different options.
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You could send out the invoices today to ensure timely payment.
Example:
- We can also use some questions to make a suggestions or recommendation in an indirect way.
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Why don't we meet tomorrow to discuss the project's details?
Why don't/ doesn't + subject + verb..?
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How about we conduct a brief team meeting every Monday to align our tasks for the week?
How about + gerund/noun..?
- We can use the words "suggest" or "recommend."
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I suggest that we order more office supplies before we run out.
I suggest / recommend that + sentence
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I suggest checking your emails regularly to stay updated with our team's progress.
I suggest / recommend + gerund (used when making the suggestion directly to the person that will do the action)
LET'S READ! 📖
Dialogue
James
Ken
I see. That's concerning. You need to arrange a meeting with the sales team then. Let's see if we can identify and address the issues.
James
Alright, I'll do that. Why don't we also involve the marketing team in the meeting? They might have valuable insights.
Ken
That's a good idea. In fact, I suggest inviting our product manager as well. He can give us an overview of how our product is performing in comparison to competitors.
James
Absolutely. I'll send out the invites right away. How about we schedule the meeting for tomorrow afternoon?
Ken
That works for me. Let's make sure we come up with some concrete action plans in that meeting.
QUESTIONS
1. What concern does James initially present to John?
2. Who does Ken suggest should be involved in the meeting along with the sales and marketing teams? Why?
3. What is Ken's expectation from the meeting to be held the next afternoon?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
👂🏻 Listening Exercise
Direction: Listen to the audio in each item and answer the questions that follow.
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What is the woman's initial problem according to the conversation?
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What advice does the man give the woman to handle her overwhelming workload?
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What does the man suggest the woman should do regarding the marketing proposal?
🗣 Speaking Exercise
Direction: Imagine that your colleagues are seeking advice for their troubles at work. Provide suggestions using the modals and expressions learned.
I. Samatha is struggling with time management and find it challenging to meet deadlines due to a heavy workload.
II. Andrew is facing difficulties in maintaining work-life balance, especially when working remotely.
Ken, you should take a look at the latest sales figures. They aren't aligning with our projected targets.