Hi there,

As a Business English coach, I frequently encounter students confused about what follows "recommend" and "suggest" when making suggestions. Today, we'll tackle this topic using a familiar setting: the restaurant industry.

Mastering "Recommend" and "Suggest" in the Restaurant Industry

Understanding the Difference: Recommend vs. Suggest

While both "recommend" and "suggest" involve proposing something, there's a key difference in their strength.

• Recommend: This implies a stronger endorsement. The speaker believes the suggestion is a good option based on their knowledge or experience.

• Suggest: This is a more neutral proposal. The speaker simply offers an idea without necessarily promoting it as superior.

For this reason, I recommend (based on my knowledge and experience 😊) that restauranteurs use ‘recommend’ rather than ‘suggest’. While "recommend" can be a stronger endorsement, "suggest" also has its place, especially for offering broader ideas or when the server is unsure of the customer's preference.

Common Mistake with ‘recommend’ and ‘suggest’

Incorrect: ‘The chef recommends you the steak and ale pie (a traditional British dish)’

The mistake in this sentence is the pronoun ‘you’. Recommend and suggest cannot be followed by a pronoun without a verb.

‘Recommend’ and ‘suggest’ both need to be followed either by an object (the steak and ale pie) or an indirect object (you) with a verb (for example ‘try’).

Correct: ‘The chef recommends the steak and ale pie’ (object)

Correct: ‘The chef recommends you try the steak and ale pie (indirect object & verb)

Remember These Tips:

• "Recommend" usually comes with a specific suggestion: "We recommend the chocolate mousse for dessert."

• "Suggest" can be used with broader ideas: "If you're looking for something lighter, we suggest browsing our appetiser selection."

• "Recommend" can be paired with extra details: "I recommend the pasta carbonara, it's made with fresh pasta, bacon and a creamy egg yolk sauce."

• "Suggest" can be used with follow-up questions: "We suggest our seasonal salad, would you like to hear more about the ingredients?"

Mastering the Art of Recommendation:

By understanding these nuances, you can effectively guide customers and enhance their dining experience. Remember, always consider dietary restrictions and preferences when making recommendations.

Word of the Day - Pie

We used a mouthwatering example of a steak and ale pie earlier in this newsletter, but did you know "pie" can also be a versatile tool in Business English?

Beyond the Bakery:

While many of us associate "pie" with delicious pastries, it holds its own in the world of business communication. The term "pie chart" refers to a circular graph divided into slices, much like a real pie. Each slice represents a portion of the whole, making it a great way to visually represent data like market share, budget allocation, or customer demographics.

Sharing the Success:

"Pie" also pops up in the business world through the expression "a piece of the pie." This metaphor describes getting a share of something valuable, often used in contexts like profits or market dominance. For instance, you might say: "Our new product launch helped us secure a larger piece of the pie in the mobile phone market."

The phrase emphasises the idea of competition and the potential rewards of success. By securing "a piece of the pie," a company gains a valuable portion of the market or profits.

Do you have any Business English questions?

Please email me and I will do my best to answer them in future newsletters.

Until Friday - have a great day!

Iain.

www.communicateenglish.com

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