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Csaba Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Suggest
Hi there,
I'm a 'bit confused when it comes to the proper use of "suggest".
I've a grammar book where the example sentences are the following:
Is there any difference between the two example sentences or they both have the same meaning?
As far as I'm concerned the first sentence means that the doctor suggested that I should go to bed with him/her and the second one is a recommendation from my doctor to me that I should go to bed (alone) because of my illness.
Could you please either confirm my understanding or help me comprehend these sentences porperly?
Thank you very much in advance!
BR
Csaba
I'm a 'bit confused when it comes to the proper use of "suggest".
I've a grammar book where the example sentences are the following:
- The doctor suggested going to bed.
- The doctor suggested my going to bed.
Is there any difference between the two example sentences or they both have the same meaning?
As far as I'm concerned the first sentence means that the doctor suggested that I should go to bed with him/her and the second one is a recommendation from my doctor to me that I should go to bed (alone) because of my illness.
Could you please either confirm my understanding or help me comprehend these sentences porperly?
Thank you very much in advance!
BR
Csaba
Top answer
Welcome to the Forums, Csaba! You are correct in your analysis, except that the first sentence could mean that the doctor intended to share your bedroom hospitality. It can be solved with: The doctor suggested that I go to bed.
- Welcome to the Forums, Csaba!
- You are correct in your analysis, except that the first sentence could mean that the doctor intended to share your bedroom hospitality.
- It can be solved with: The doctor suggested that I go to bed.
- Context will take care of the rest.
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8 Answers
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Welcome to the Forums, Csaba! You are correct in your analysis, except that the first sentence could mean that the
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Normally they would be understood to mean the same, namely that you should go to bed (alone) because of illness. The second version with "my going" seems more formally phrased.
The other interpretation is possible, but it needs a context to direct the reader's or listener's thoughts in that direction.
The other interpretation is possible, but it needs a context to direct the reader's or listener's thoughts in that direction.
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GPYNormally they would be understood to mean the same, namely that you should go to bed (alone) because of illness. The second version with "my going" seems more formally phrased.The other interpretation is possible, but it needs a context to direct the reader's or listener's thoughts in that direction.You're right. The second version is excessively formal.
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CsabaAs far as I'm concerned the first sentence means that the doctor suggested that I should go to bed with him/herNo native English speaker would interpret it that way, unless you and the doctor were in a bar or other social setting and were physically attracted to each other.
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