Memorize the structures and usage of 7 types of proposal sentences in English

Proposal sentences, a part of English communication, are a way we ask or suggest things or somebody to do something in English. In this article, PREP will show different types of proposal sentences and how to respond to them. Let's explore this together!

I. What are proposal sentences in English?

Proposal sentences are used to ask or request that someone do or not do something. We frequently use the word "please" at the end of sentences. The usage and tone of a proposal sentence depend on the situation. Let’s take a look at some proposal sentence examples.

• What about going to the zoo this weekend? 
• Could I speak to Mr Davis, please? 
• Shall I take this bag for you? 
• You must wear a uniform when going to school. 
• She suggested that I should give up this love.

II. The usage of proposal sentences in English

In English, the structures of proposal sentences vary depending on each situation and different cases. Let's learn about those structures in English together with PREP!

1. Make questions to ask someone to do something

1.1. “Could/would you + V + O?”

“Could you…?/ Would you…?” shows politeness and elegance when you ask someone to do something. 

Note: We can replace the aforementioned structure by “Can and Will”, but these two modal verbs are used in a normal, not very formal case. 

Examples:

• Can I leave a message for Mr.John? 
• Would you carry my luggage for me, please? 

1.2. “Shall we/I + V + O?”

"Shall we" is commonly used to propose that someone does something together, and is often used in situations when you want to invite someone to join you.

Examples:

• Shall we go out for breakfast? 
• Shall I meet him tomorrow? 

1.3. “What/How about + Ving + O? Or “Why not + V + O?”

“Let’s, What about, How about, Why not” are 4 commonly used structures of proposal sentences, for people with close relationships such as friends, family and colleagues. Below is the table of proposal structures and illustrative examples that PREP has prepared for your better understanding!

1.4. “Do/Would you mind + Ving + O?”

“Do you mind/ Would you mind” is a polite proposal structure in English, used in polite situations like talking with the elderly or people you just met. For examples:

• Do you mind putting the TV on? 
• Would you mind turning your phone down a little, please? 

2. Reported speech with proposal meaning

2.1. Modal verb

Modal verbs are also used in English proposal sentences. Please note that when using modal verbs to give advice, you need to pay attention to the degree of each verb type and combine it with an appropriate tone, to avoid the listener misunderstanding it as an imperative sentence. For examples:

2.2. Regular verb 

2.2.1. Offer

Offer is used in proposal sentences in a polite and formal manner. The speaker will often suggest whether they can do something for the other person or if the other person would like to do something.

 Examples:

• We are now offering you the chance to buy the complete set of pans at half price.
• Smith offered Lily a ride to the supermarket.

2.2.2. “Suggest/Recommend”

“Suggest/Recommend" are used to make a suggestion or propose an idea to others. This is a polite and respectful way to suggest and share opinions. However, when using proposal sentences with Suggest/ Recommend, we need to pay attention to the structure and usage as there are two distinct structures and usages:

3. Let’s + V + O

Let’s… is one of the most multifunctional structures in English. In this article, Let’s + V + O is surely employed to invite/recommend/ask someone to join you. For examples:

• Let's go for a walk. 
• Let’s go to see a new movie this weekend. 

III. Tips to respond to proposal sentences in English

How do you respond to proposal sentences in English? Instead of simply saying Yes/No, PREP provides different methods for acceptance, decline, or "hesitation" in a sensitive and non-offensive manner! 

1. Acceptance 

Yes, I’d like/ love to.

• That would be nice.
• Yes, with pleasure.
• That sounds like a good idea.
• Yes, that’s not a bad idea.
• Count me in.

Examples:

Yes, with pleasure.

• A: Would you like to join us for dinner tonight? 
• B: Yes, with pleasure. 

That sounds like a good idea.

• A: Let's take a trip to the beach this weekend
• B: That sounds like a good idea. 

Yes, that's not a bad idea.

• A: Do you want to go to the gym with me after work? 
• B: Yes, that's not a bad idea.

2. Decline

• That’s nice, but…
• It’s very kind of you, but…
• I appreciate the offer, but…
• I‘d love to, but…
• It’s very tempting, but…
• I’m not very keen on + V-ing
• I don’t feel like it.
• Well, I’d rather + V.
• I think I have to decline this time.
• I don’t think I can + V
• No. I have something else in mind already.

Examples:

That's nice, but...

• A: I think you should buy this watch. 
• B: That's nice, but I can't afford it right now. 

It's very kind of you, but...

• A: Would you like me to pick you up from the airport? 
• B: It's very kind of you, but my friend is already picking me up. 

I appreciate the offer, but...

• A: Do you want to come to my party this weekend? 
• B: I appreciate the offer, but I'm actually busy this weekend. 

3. Hesitation

• Let me think about it.
• I don’t know about that.
• Let me check my schedule first.
• I’m not sure about that idea.

Examples:

Let me think about it.

• A: Do you want to come to the concert with me? 
• B: Let me think about it. I need to check if I have any other plans that day. 

I don't know about that.

• A: Do you think we should invest in this new company? 
• B: I don't know about that. I need to do some research before making a decision.

Let me check my schedule first.

• A: Can we have a meeting tomorrow morning? 
• B: Let me check my schedule first and I'll get back to you. 

IV. Exercises on proposal sentences & detailed answers

Exercise: Give the correct form of the verbs in parentheses

1. Let's………………….(go) to the movies tonight.
2. What about………………….(have) dinner at that new restaurant?
3. How about………………….(take) a walk in the park?
4. Why not………………….(try) the spicy chicken wings?
5. Let's………………….(finish) this project by Friday.
6. What about………………….(go) on a road trip this weekend?
7. How about………………….(try) a different approach to this problem?
8. Why not………………….(join) us for the game tonight?
9. Shall we………………….(meet) at the coffee shop at 10?
10. I suggest that we should………………….(start) with the easiest task first.

Keys:

1. Go
2. Having
3. Taking
4. Try
5. Finish
6. Going
7. Trying
8. Join
9. Meet
10. Start

Proposal sentences are essential not only in conversations but also in English language tests. Hopefully, the information supplied by PREP has been useful to you. Check out our online IELTS, and TOEIC courses, as well as the practice exams available in the Test Practice section. Regular practice is essential for success in your next exams. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes for mastering suggestion language skills!