Persuasion is a speech act, not a magic phrase
A speaker who is persuading already favours an option and tries to help the other person consider it. It is useful to combine a question or recommendation frame with a reason, benefit or response to a concern.
The form alone does not determine the effect. Don't you think...? often invites agreement with the speaker's view, but it can sound pressuring in a tense conversation. You must... can be grammatical and appropriate for a real rule or obligation, but You must do it my way is not a good example of respectful persuasion.
In this rule, distinguish three judgements: whether the sentence is grammatical, what intention it conveys and whether it fits the particular situation. A different style or speech act is not automatically a grammar error.
Don't you think we should test the idea with a small group first?
Don't you think we should test the idea with a small group first?
The speaker already supports the test and invites agreement; small group first makes the proposal specific.
You must show your ID at the entrance.
You must show your ID at the entrance.
This is a grammatical statement of a requirement. It is not incorrect, but it serves a different function from gentle persuasion.
Question frames
Don't you think + clause? presents the preferred option as an opinion the other person can assess: Don't you think we should leave earlier? Inside the clause, keep normal subject + verb order, and use the base form after should.
Wouldn't it be better to + base verb? compares the proposed action with an alternative. Wouldn't it be better if + past simple...? creates a hypothetical frame: Wouldn't it be better if we asked first?
The negative question often shows that the speaker expects agreement. It can therefore suit persuasion, but it is not a neutral way to gather everyone's views. For a genuinely open question, use What do you think about...?
Don't you think + clause (often subject + should + base verb)? | Wouldn't it be better to + base verb...? | Wouldn't it be better if + subject + past simple...?
- subject / S —
- The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
- verb / V —
- A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
- V1 / base form —
- The base verb without to: work, go, be.
- clause —
- A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
Don't you think it would be safer to keep a backup?
Don't you think it would be safer to keep a backup?
Think is followed by a complete clause with the subject it; safer presents a clear benefit.
Wouldn't it be better if we moved the call to Friday?
Wouldn't it be better if we moved the call to Friday?
Past Simple moved frames a hypothetical option here rather than reporting a past event.
What do you think about moving the call?
What do you think about moving the call?
This is a more open question about someone's opinion; it does not guide them as clearly towards a preselected answer.
Recommendation frames
You should consider... suggests thinking about an option rather than complying immediately. Consider naturally takes a noun or an -ing form: consider the cheaper plan; consider booking a quieter room.
I'd strongly recommend... makes the recommendation explicitly strong. When another verb immediately follows recommend, use -ing: I'd strongly recommend checking the figures. Recommend + noun and recommend that + clause are also possible.
Strongly intensifies the recommendation but does not establish a universal level of politeness. Advice from a doctor, a remark from a friend and a demand from a manager involve different relationships, risks and intonation.
You should consider + noun/-ing | I'd strongly recommend + noun/-ing | I recommend that + subject + base verb
- subject / S —
- The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
- verb / V —
- A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
- V1 / base form —
- The base verb without to: work, go, be.
- V-ing / -ing —
- The verb form ending in -ing: working, going. Its role depends on the construction.
- noun —
- A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
You should consider taking the earlier train.
You should consider taking the earlier train.
Consider is followed by taking, not to take.
I'd strongly recommend reading the contract before you sign it.
I'd strongly recommend reading the contract before you sign it.
Reading is the -ing form after recommend; before you sign it explains the timing and practical purpose.
I recommend that you save a copy on another device.
I recommend that you save a copy on another device.
The that-clause identifies who will perform the action; it is a natural alternative to recommend + -ing.
Reasons, benefits and responses to concerns
The frame indicates the intention, but the persuasive force often comes from what follows: because..., since..., so..., that way... or a specific consequence. The reason should be relevant to the decision, rather than merely add a long sentence.
Connect the option to the listener's needs: You'll have more time to check it; That way, we won't lose the original. In dialogue, acknowledge the concern first, then give a relevant response: I understand the cost is a concern. Wouldn't it be better to run a small trial first?
Do not invent guarantees. We will definitely save money may be a weak argument without supporting data. At B1, a simple, honest reason is sufficient.
You should consider using the secure link because an email attachment can be forwarded by mistake.
You should consider using the secure link because an email attachment can be forwarded by mistake.
Because introduces a risk that directly explains the recommendation.
Wouldn't it be better to print twenty copies first? That way, we can fix any mistakes before the full order.
Wouldn't it be better to print twenty copies first? That way, we can fix any mistakes before the full order.
The second sentence gives a checkable benefit and addresses a practical risk.
Tone, the right to decline and adapting your response
Persuasion does not remove the other person's right to say no. Repeating the same frame after a clear refusal may become pressure. It is better to clarify the reason, offer a smaller step or close the topic: I understand. Would you like to think about it?
Don't you think...? may be less direct than a command, but it still suggests the desired answer. For a sensitive topic or unequal roles, choose a more open question or a calm recommendation with an explanation.
The difference between persuading, proposing and compromising depends on how the conversation develops. In persuasion, you encourage agreement with a position; in a proposal, you introduce a possible plan; in a compromise, both sides make concessions. One remark may serve more than one function, so context matters more than the label.
I see why you're worried about the cost. You should consider a one-week trial before making a final decision.
I see why you're worried about the cost. You should consider a one-week trial before making a final decision.
The concern is acknowledged first, and then a limited step is proposed.
I understand that you don't want to join, so I won't keep asking.
I understand that you don't want to join, so I won't keep asking.
Closing appropriately after a refusal is part of respectful interaction, even without the target frame.
Using the phrases in your own speech
Before speaking, identify three things: which decision you support, what matters to the listener and which concern needs attention. Then choose one frame, add a specific reason and leave room for a response.
You do not need to use all the phrases at once. One natural frame with an honest argument is better than a chain of Don't you think..., You should..., I strongly recommend..., which can sound pushy.
For self-checking, ask: is the preferred decision clear; are the forms after should, consider and recommend correct; is the reason relevant; does the tone suit the roles; and has the remark turned into coercion?
Don't you think we should compare both prices before we choose?
Don't you think we should compare both prices before we choose?
One frame, a specific action and a clear sequence make a complete contribution.
I'd strongly recommend asking for a written estimate, so you know the total cost.
I'd strongly recommend asking for a written estimate, so you know the total cost.
The recommendation uses the correct -ing form and explains a benefit to the listener.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:Don't you think we should to wait?
Correct:Don't you think we should wait?
After modal should, use the base form without to: should wait.
Incorrect:Wouldn't it be better if we will ask Mia first?
Correct:Wouldn't it be better if we asked Mia first?
In this hypothetical frame, use Past Simple asked after if, not will ask.
Incorrect:I'd strongly recommend to read the contract.
Correct:I'd strongly recommend reading the contract.
When an action verb directly follows recommend, use the -ing form reading.
Incorrect:You should consider to take the earlier train.
Correct:You should consider taking the earlier train.
For an action after consider, use the -ing form taking.
Incorrect:Don't you think would be better to wait?
Correct:Don't you think it would be better to wait?
The clause after think needs a subject; in this construction, it is it.