5 phrases · A2 · B1

Suggesting an idea in English

Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.

The phrases

Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.

  • How about {-ING}?

    A2

    Float an idea casually.

    ___ करने के बारे में क्या ख़याल है?

    • How about meeting at six?
    • How about trying a different approach?
    • How about asking him directly?

    With friends · say it as: How about / meeting at six · used everyday life, at work

  • Why don't we {VERB}?

    A2

    Suggest something for both of you to do.

    क्यों न हम ___ करें?

    • Why don't we start with the numbers?
    • Why don't we meet on Thursday instead?
    • Why don't we ask the client directly?

    Anywhere · say it as: Why don't we / start with the numbers · used at work, everyday life

  • I'd better {VERB}

    A2

    Say what is the sensible thing to do now — nobody is forcing you.

    मुझे ___ कर लेना चाहिए (वरना दिक़्क़त होगी).

    • I'd better go now.
    • I'd better check with the team first.
    • I'd better leave before the traffic starts.

    In the negative: I'd better not say anything until it is confirmed.

    Anywhere · say it as: I'd better / go now · used at work, everyday life

  • If I were you, I'd {VERB}

    B1

    Give advice by putting yourself in their place.

    अगर मैं आपकी जगह होता, तो मैं ___ करता।

    • If I were you, I'd talk to the manager first.
    • If I were you, I'd take the offer.
    • If I were you, I'd wait until the results come out.

    Anywhere · say it as: If I were you, / I would talk to the manager · used at work, college

  • We could always {VERB}

    B1

    Offer a fallback — an option nobody has to take.

    हम चाहें तो ___ कर सकते हैं।

    • We could always ask for more time.
    • We could always start with the smaller one.
    • We could always try again next month.

    Anywhere · say it as: We could always / ask for more time · used at work, college

What goes wrong

The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.

Commonly saidCorrect English

How about to meet at six?

How about meeting at six?

After "how about", a verb takes -ing.

Why we don't start?

Why don't we start?

In a question, "don't" comes before "we".

I'd better to go now.

I'd better go now.

After "had better", the verb stays plain — no "to".

If I was you, I would talk to him.

If I were you, I'd talk to him.

This is the one place English keeps "were" for "I" — it marks the situation as imaginary.

Where you will need these

The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.

More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.

Reading it is not the same as saying it.

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