When we want to suggest something in which we are to participate ourselves, we use one of the following forms: Let’s…Why don’t we…? Why not…? We could/might – tentative
I suppose we could/ might… - more tentative
I suggest (that)… – a firmer suggestion, and more formal.
I propose (that)… – even stronger and more forma. Used mainly at meetings, official discussions, etc.
Yes, let’s (do that). That’s a (very) good idea. Good idea. – less formal
That/ it might be interesting. OK. – informal, casual. All right. – willing but not enthusiastic
I don’t mind. We might as well (do that). – rather indifferent
Conditional agreement can be expressed by:
All right, but only if… Yes/All right/I don’t mind, providing/as long as…
If we disagree, our reply depends to a greater extent on the situation. Here are some commonly used phrases:
I do not like…– only among friends (too abrupt for other situations)
I am not very keen on… I am not very fond of … – more tactful
I don’t feel like it (at the moment/just now). I am too tired. I’m feeling rather tired (today/at the moment) – less abrupt
We haven’t got time. Have we got time? There is no point. I’d rather… I’d rather not… Let’s not bother. Don’t let’s bother.
