The Core Difference
First, let's understand the nuance of each verb:
* Advise: This is typically used for giving expert, formal, or strong guidance. It often implies that the speaker has more knowledge or authority.
* Example: A doctor advises a patient. A lawyer advises a client.
* Suggest: This is used to propose an idea, plan, or possibility for someone to consider. It's a more neutral and common term.
* Example: A friend suggests a movie to watch.
* Recommend: This is a strong suggestion based on personal positive experience or knowledge. You are endorsing something.
* Example: You recommend a restaurant where you had a great meal.
Grammatical Structures for Reported Speech
Here are the main patterns you need to know.
1. Advise
The verb advise most commonly uses an object and an infinitive.
Structure 1: $advise + object + (not) + to-infinitive$
This is the most frequent and natural-sounding structure.
* Direct Speech: "You should see a specialist," the doctor said to me.
* Reported Speech: The doctor advised me to see a specialist.
* Direct Speech: "I wouldn't buy that car if I were you," my father said.
* Reported Speech: My father advised me not to buy that car.
Structure 2: $advise + that-clause$
This structure is more formal. The clause that follows often uses the subjunctive mood (the base form of the verb, e.g., be, take) or should.
* Direct Speech: "It is important that the company invests in new technology."
* Reported Speech: The consultant advised that the company (should) invest in new technology.
(Note: Using 'should' is very common, especially in British English. The subjunctive 'invest' is more common in American English.)
Structure 3: $advise against + gerund (-ing form)$
This is used specifically for negative advice.
* Direct Speech: "Don't travel alone at night."
* Reported Speech: She advised against travelling alone at night.
2. Suggest
The verb suggest is the trickiest because it CANNOT be followed by an object + to-infinitive. This is the most common mistake learners make.
Incorrect: He suggested me to go home. ❌
Structure 1: $suggest + gerund (-ing form)$
This is used when the person suggesting is part of the group, or when the person being suggested to is obvious from the context.
* Direct Speech: "Let's go for a walk," she said.
* Reported Speech: She suggested going for a walk.
* Direct Speech: "Why don't you try the new Italian restaurant?" he asked.
* Reported Speech: He suggested trying the new Italian restaurant.
Structure 2: $suggest + that-clause$
This is used when you need to specify who should perform the action. Like with 'advise', it can be followed by the subjunctive mood or should.
* Direct Speech: "You should take a holiday," my boss said to me.
* Reported Speech: My boss suggested that I (should) take a holiday.
(Notice we say "suggested that I take," not "suggested me to take.")
* Direct Speech: "Peter should apply for the job," she said.
* Reported Speech: She suggested that Peter (should) apply for the job.
Structure 3: $suggest + noun/pronoun$
You can also suggest a thing directly.
* Direct Speech: "How about the blue one?"
* Reported Speech: She suggested the blue one.
3. Recommend
The verb recommend follows the exact same patterns as suggest. It also CANNOT be followed by an object + to-infinitive.
Incorrect: The guide recommended us to visit the museum. ❌
Structure 1: $recommend + gerund (-ing form)$
* Direct Speech: "You should definitely try visiting the old town."
* Reported Speech: The guide recommended visiting the old town.
Structure 2: $recommend + that-clause$
* Direct Speech: "I think you should read this book."
* Reported Speech: He recommended that I (should) read that book.
Structure 3: $recommend + noun/pronoun (+ to + person)$
You can recommend a thing directly, and you can specify who it is recommended to.
* Direct Speech: "The fish is excellent here."
* Reported Speech: The waiter recommended the fish.
* Direct Speech: "You should watch 'The Crown'," she said to me.
* Reported Speech: She recommended 'The Crown' to me.
Summary Table & Key Takeaways
| Verb | Permitted Structures | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Advise | $advise + object + to-infinitive$ | He advised me to rest. |
| | $advise + that-clause$ | He advised that I (should) rest. |
| | $advise against + gerund$ | He advised against working too hard. |
| Suggest | $suggest + gerund$ | She suggested going out. |
| | $suggest + that-clause$ | She suggested that we (should) go out. |
| | $suggest + noun$ | She suggested a different plan. |
| Recommend | $recommend + gerund$ | I recommend booking in advance. |
| | $recommend + that-clause$ | I recommend that you (should) book in advance. |
| | $recommend + noun$ | I recommend the soup. |
Final Recommendations for You:
* Memorize the Golden Rule: Never use $suggest + object + to-infinitive$ or $recommend + object + to-infinitive$. This is the single most important rule to remember.
* Use Gerunds for Simplicity: When the subject is clear, using the gerund (-ing) form after suggest and recommend is often the easiest and most natural choice. (e.g., "He suggested leaving.")
* Use advise with a Person: Remember that advise almost always needs an object (a person or group) before the action. You advise someone.
* Practice: Try converting direct speech sentences into reported speech using these three verbs. For example, turn these sentences into reported speech:
* "You should take a taxi," my friend said. (Use advise)
* "Let's order a pizza," said Tom. (Use suggest)
* "The historical museum is worth visiting," the tour guide said. (Use recommend)
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