Cool MateIndicate vs Suggest
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Indicate
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Suggest
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Indicate | Suggest | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪndɪkeɪt/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪts/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/","/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈdʒest/","/səˈdʒests/","/səˈdʒestɪd/","/səˈdʒestɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈdʒest//səɡˈdʒest/","/səˈdʒests//səɡˈdʒests/","/səˈdʒestɪd//səɡˈdʒestɪd/","/səˈdʒestɪŋ//səɡˈdʒestɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to show or point out something | To show an idea or recommendation to someone |
| Example | Please indicate your choice on the ballot. | I would like to suggest a new approach to the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise, clearly, strongly, not necessarily, appear to, seem to, be used to, to, indicate otherwise | highly, strongly, tentatively, seem reasonable to, be far-fetched to, seem far-fetched to, as, for, to, can I suggest…, I suggest…, I would suggest…, certainly, clearly, strongly, seem to, be meant to, highly, strongly, tentatively, seem reasonable to, be far-fetched to, seem far-fetched to, as, for, to, can I suggest…, I suggest…, I would suggest… |
| Antonyms | hide, ignore, conceal | discourage, dissuade |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'indicate' vs 'demonstrate', Using 'indicate' with subject without an object, Misplacing the verb tense, e.g., 'indicated' when now is meant | 'Suggesting to' someone instead of 'suggesting that' someone do something., Using 'suggest' with a gerund instead of a noun clause., Confusing 'suggest' with 'recommend'. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Appropriate in formal and academic contexts; less frequent in casual conversations. Not typically used when giving direct orders. | Common in suggestions and advice. Suitable in most contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings. Avoid using in very formal writing, opt for 'propose' instead. |
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Frequently asked questions: Indicate vs Suggest
What's the difference between Indicate and Suggest?
Indicate: to show or point out something Suggest: To show an idea or recommendation to someone
Which is more advanced: Indicate and Suggest?
Indicate is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Indicate and Suggest the same CEFR level?
Indicate: B1, Suggest: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Indicate and Suggest?
Indicate: verb, Suggest: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Indicate: Please indicate your choice on the ballot. Suggest: I would like to suggest a new approach to the project.
Can I use Indicate and Suggest interchangeably?
Not always. Indicate and Suggest are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.