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Preposition before noun

Which prepositions are used with 'suggestion'?

Suggestion is commonly followed by of, for, or to depending on the meaning. With and by usually introduce extra information rather than complete fixed combinations.

Quick answer

Common patterns with 'suggestion'

Use suggestion of for the content or possibility, suggestion for for a proposed solution or purpose, and suggestion to before an action. By often names the person making the suggestion, while with is usually an added phrase, not a fixed pattern.

She rejected the suggestion of fraud.
We liked his suggestion for improving the schedule.
They ignored the suggestion to delay the launch.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
suggestion of + idea/problem

Showing the content or implication

Use of when the suggestion concerns a possibility, quality, or implied meaning.

There was a suggestion of tension in the room.
2
suggestion for + purpose/solution

Giving a proposed solution or recommendation

Use for when the suggestion is intended to help with something.

Do you have any suggestion for reducing costs?
3
suggestion to + verb

Recommending an action

Use to before an infinitive describing the action being suggested.

Her suggestion to hire more staff was accepted.
4
suggestion by + person

Naming who made the suggestion

By introduces the person responsible for the suggestion.

The suggestion by the committee caused debate.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
suggestion of
There was a suggestion of danger.
Refers to an impression, sign, or content.
suggestion to
His suggestion to cancel the trip surprised us.
Introduces an action that is recommended.
suggestion for
She made a suggestion for better lighting.
Refers to a proposal or solution.
suggestion with
The suggestion with detailed notes was approved.
With adds accompanying information; it is not a fixed pattern after suggestion.
suggestion by
A suggestion by the manager changed the plan.
Names the person making the suggestion.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using 'to' before a noun

Suggestion to is normally followed by a verb, not a noun.

✕ a suggestion to the budget ✓ a suggestion for the budget

Confusing 'of' and 'for'

Of often expresses implication or content, while for introduces a solution or purpose.

✕ a suggestion of improving sales ✓ a suggestion for improving sales

Treating 'with' as a fixed collocation

With usually introduces extra details, not the main complement of suggestion.

✕ a suggestion with new rules ✓ a suggestion for new rules

Omitting the infinitive after 'suggestion to'

Suggestion to should be followed by a verb.

✕ a suggestion to the staff ✓ a suggestion to inform the staff

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. We accepted her suggestion ___ change suppliers.
2. There was a suggestion ___ dishonesty in the report.
3. He offered a suggestion ___ reducing delays.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I say 'suggestion to someone'?

Yes. In phrases like 'a suggestion to the team', to can indicate the receiver, not the action itself.

Is 'suggestion with' incorrect?

No. It can appear when with adds extra information, but it is not the usual fixed pattern after suggestion.

What is the difference between 'suggestion of' and 'suggestion for'?

Suggestion of usually describes an implication or sign, while suggestion for presents a practical proposal or solution.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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