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Suggest vs. Offer vs. Propose

grammar short video lessons verbs vocabulary
suggest vs. offer vs. propose

 

Synonyms are an awesome part of language learning. They’re a FUN-tastic way to spruce up your writing and sound more like a native speaker! However, this is only possible if you use English grammar correctly. Some words may have synonyms that do not mean the same (please refer to the table above). In fact, depending on the context, they could have an entirely different meaning! So you have to be careful when using synonyms. For instance, if you use the wrong word that is unsuitable for the context, it can change the meaning of your whole message.

But the good news is that there is nothing complicated about these terms! So let’s see what’s the difference between suggest, offer, and propose, and how they are commonly misused and mistaken for each other.

Please see below for a conversation by three native speakers. It is a short discussion between three roommates about their dinner plans.

 

Alice: Hey guys, I’m starving. Any ideas?

Brian: Yeah I suggest we order in. How about Dominos?

Alice: Great idea! I saw an ad on Instagram where they are offering a 10% discount on delivery!

Carol : No, it’s still too expensive. Guys, remember we went grocery shopping yesterday? I propose we cook something at home.

 

Suggest 

In this conversation, suggest is used to give Brian’s opinion – he thinks they should order Dominos because he feels like having it. This was in response to Alice’s request for ideas on dinner plans.

 

Offer

Alice seems to really like Brian’s idea to order in from Dominos, because she saw a Dominos ad that was offering (or presenting) a 10% discount on pizza.

 

Suggest vs Offer

Here suggest is used to give someone’s opinion whereas offer is used to present an opportunity to save money (by using the discount).

 

 

Propose

Carol disagrees with Brian and Alice for a good reason (they recently went grocery shopping). Therefore, she proposes (or provides an alternative plan) that they cook dinner at home.

 

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Propose vs Suggest vs Offer

In this context, propose is different from both suggest/offer because Carol clearly states the following:

 

  • what she thinks they should do - NOT order Dominos and cook instead,
  • why they should do it - it’s too expensive,
  • and how they can do it - they just went grocery shopping so they have all the things they need to make dinner at home.

 

Propose vs Suggest

Propose is different from suggest here because Brian simply provided his opinion on the subject matter (dinner plans) but Carol put forward an idea (eating at home), a plan of action (cooking dinner), and also stated why they should act on her decision (they will save more money).

 

Propose vs Offer

Moreover, propose is different from offer here because Carol’s statement (or plan of action) is to save her roommate's money by eating at home. On the other hand, Dominos is providing their customers with a discount if they wish to order pizza.

 

Learning a new language can be very tricky. But if you are now feeling more confident about your abilities in using these words correctly, try doing some practice. Here is a link to a quiz

 

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STANDARD ONLINE ENGLISH COURSES

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Speaking about a wide range of useful topics that will improve your confidence and fluency. Learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar while speaking with teachers and other students.

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Business English

Level up in your career. Our method will help you get promotions, pay raises, larger contracts, new clients, and more. Let us show you how English can grow your bottom line.

Learn more

Travel English

Make new friends in new places around the world and maximize your travel experience. Learn how to enhance your adventure through clever communication and make unforgettable connections.

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Corporate Training

Get detailed reports detailing ROI and learning progress. Your account manager will create a custom learning plan based on your needs. Learn according to your timetable with our flexible scheduling 24/7.

Learn more

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