Suggesting

Being versatile in a language is liberating. It’s frustrating to say the same thing in the same way all the time, or to feel blocked completely. Just like there are synonyms for words, there are different sentence constructions as well. This post focuses on asking a question in a different, more subtle way as opposed to using a direct question.


Why don’t we + (verb) ….?

'Don't' is a contraction of 'do not.' When using 'why' you are asking a question that involves yourself and the person you are talking to. This question form is more like a suggestion or a polite request.

- Why don't we see a movie tonight?
(Direct question: Do you want to see a movie tonight?)

- Why don't we open the window for some fresh air?
(Direct question: Do you want to open the window for some fresh air?)

- Why don't we play ping-pong?
(Direct question: Do you want to play ping-pong?)

- Why don't we test this before using it?
(Direct question: Do you want to test this before using it?)

- Why don't we try and do it again?
(Direct question: Do you want to try and do it again?)

- Why don't we barbecue?
(Direct question: Do you want to barbecue?)

- Why don't we gather more firewood?
(Direct question: Do you want to gather more firewood?)


Let’s + (verb)…

'Let's' is a contraction of 'let us'. Beginning a sentence with 'let's' is not for questions but it has the same meaning of suggesting an activity. Let's take a look at the following examples:

- Let’s see a movie tonight.
- Let’s open the window for some fresh air.
- Let’s play a game of ping-pong.
- Let’s test this before using it.
- Let’s try and do it again.
- Let’s barbecue.
- Let’s gather more firewood.