Conjugation of "Suggest" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To propose an idea or plan for someone to consider; to recommend or hint at something.
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All 12 Tenses of "Suggest"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "suggest" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I suggest |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I suggested |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will suggest |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am suggesting |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was suggesting |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be suggesting |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have suggested |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had suggested |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have suggested |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been suggesting |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been suggesting |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been suggesting |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Suggest" — Suggested
The past simple of "suggest" is "suggested" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.
- The teacher suggested reading this book for homework. B1
Past Participle of "Suggest" — Suggested
The past participle of "suggest" is "suggested" — the same form as the past simple, since "suggest" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have suggested") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was suggested").
- The teacher suggested reading this book for homework. B1
Is "Suggest" Regular or Irregular?
"Suggest" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "suggested". The 3rd-person singular present is "suggests" and the gerund/present participle is "suggesting".
Conjugation pattern: regular: add -ed
How to Pronounce "Suggest" and Its Forms
Suggest: /səˈdʒɛst/
How to Use "Suggest" — Common Grammar Patterns
"Suggest" means to propose or put forward an idea. Forms: suggest, suggests, suggested, suggested. Key patterns: suggest + -ing OR suggest + that-clause. Never "suggest + person + to-infinitive" (common learner error).
Example Sentences with "Suggest" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: I suggest we meet tomorrow at noon. A2
- Simple Past: The teacher suggested reading this book for homework. B1
Common Collocations with "Suggest"
- suggest doing — I suggest taking a taxi.
- suggest that — She suggested that we leave early.
- suggest someone do — The doctor suggests you rest.
- suggest to someone — Can you suggest a good hotel?
- suggest strongly — We strongly suggest wearing a helmet.
When to Use "Suggest" vs Similar Verbs
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- recommend — advise someone based on positive experience
- propose — present formally in meetings or agreements
- hint — indicate indirectly without stating clearly
Common Mistakes with "Suggest"
-
Wrong: I suggest you to go.
Correct: I suggest that you go. / I suggest going.
Use "suggest + that-clause" OR "suggest + -ing", NOT "suggest + person + to-infinitive". -
Wrong: She suggest going to a movie.
Correct: She suggests going to a movie.
Add "s" for third-person singular. -
Wrong: He suggested us to leave.
Correct: He suggested that we leave. / He suggested leaving.
Avoid indirect object construction; use that-clause or -ing form.
Conjugation Tables for "Suggest"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not suggest · He does not suggest
- Simple past: I did not suggest · She did not suggest
- Present perfect: I have not suggested · He has not suggested
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you suggest? · Does he suggest?
- Simple past: Did you suggest?
- Present perfect: Have you suggested?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is suggested
- Simple past passive: It was suggested
- Present perfect passive: It has been suggested
Frequently Asked Questions About "Suggest"
- Is "suggest" regular or irregular?
- "suggest" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "suggested".
- What is the past tense of "suggest"?
- The simple past of "suggest" is "suggested".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "suggest"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I suggest every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am suggesting right now."
- What's a common mistake with "suggest"?
- Use "suggest + that-clause" OR "suggest + -ing", NOT "suggest + person + to-infinitive". Wrong: "I suggest you to go." Correct: "I suggest that you go. / I suggest going."