Syntax

Verb patterns: verb + -ing

Three verbs with similar meaning that take the pattern verb + -ing are recommend, advise and suggest.

The pattern changes if the person who is receiving the recommendation is mentioned.

 

Recommend/suggest

+ noun

+ verb

 

They

recommend (that)

the audience

arrive

on time for the performance.

She

suggests (that)

we

call

him to find out what has happened.

Note that advise cannot be used with this pattern.

Instead, with advise, we can use the infinitive.

We can use passive forms of recommend and advise.

Note that suggest cannot be used with this pattern.