Welcome to "Giving Advice and Making Suggestions"!

Have you ever wanted to help a friend solve a problem or share a great idea for a group project? To do this in English, we use a special group of "helper verbs" called Modal Verbs. In this chapter, we will learn how to use these words to be helpful, polite, and clear. By the end of these notes, you will know exactly how to guide others using words like can, may, and suggest.

Section 1: What are Modal Verbs?

Before we dive in, let’s quickly review what a modal verb is. Think of them as "mood" words. They are helper verbs that sit in front of an action verb to change its meaning. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—just remember that modal verbs are like seasonings; they change the "flavor" of the action!

Prerequisite Tip: Most modal verbs follow a simple rule: Modal Verb + Base Verb.
Example: You can (modal) go (base verb).
We never say "can to go" or "can going." Keep it simple!

Key Takeaway:

Modal verbs help us express ideas like possibility or giving advice without being too "bossy."

Section 2: Making Suggestions with "Can" and "May"

When we want to offer an idea or a possible plan, we often use can or may. These are great because they sound like you are offering an option rather than giving a strict command.

1. Using "Can"

We use can to make a general or informal suggestion. It’s like saying, "Here is one possible way to do it."

Example from your syllabus: The government can make better use of the land through better planning.

Everyday Example: We can study at the library after school if you are free.

2. Using "May"

We use may when we want to be more formal or extra polite. It is a very "soft" way to suggest something.

Example: The school may consider opening the computer lab during lunch breaks.

Did you know? Using may instead of can makes you sound very professional! It is often used in formal reports or when speaking to teachers and principals.

Quick Review:

 Use can for friends and everyday ideas.
 Use may for formal writing or being very polite.
Formula: Subject + can/may + action verb.

Section 3: Using the Verb "Suggest"

Sometimes, we don't use a modal verb; we use the verb suggest directly. This is a very clear way to show you are giving advice.

The "Suggest" Rule

Be careful! Suggest is a bit different from other verbs. We usually use it in two ways:

1. Suggest + -ing: I suggest going to the park.
2. Suggest + that: I suggest that we start our project early.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Never say "I suggest you to go." In English, we don't put "to" after suggest when followed by a person.
Wrong: I suggest you to eat more fruit.
Right: I suggest you eat more fruit.

Key Takeaway:

The word suggest is a powerful tool for giving advice in both school work (like PSHE or Science) and daily life.

Section 4: Advice in the Real World

Why do we learn this? In your other subjects, you will often need to make suggestions based on facts.
In Science: To save energy, we can turn off the lights when leaving a room.
In Geography/PSHE: We suggest that the city builds more parks to reduce pollution.

Memory Trick: The "Helping Hand" Mnemonic
Whenever you give advice, imagine your words are a helping hand.
Can (Casual/Common)
May (More polite/Mature)
Suggest (Strong and clear)
Just remember: C.M.S. (Can Make Suggestions!)

Quick Review Box

Can: Informal/General suggestion. (We can play football later.)
May: Formal/Polite suggestion. (The team may wish to practice more.)
Suggest: A direct way to give an idea. (I suggest we recycle these bottles.)
Important: No "to" after can or may!

Final Summary Takeaway

Giving advice and making suggestions is all about choosing the right "helper." Use can for easy-going ideas, may for formal settings, and suggest when you want to be very clear. By using these correctly, you make it much easier for people to listen to your great ideas!