In 15 Seconds
- Used to identify the origin of an idea or plan.
- Grammatically contracts to 'd'une suggestion' in almost all cases.
- A polite way to give credit to others for their input.
Meaning
This phrase is used to explain that an idea, action, or project originated from a specific proposal. It's like giving a 'shout-out' to the source of an idea.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a project's origin
Ce nouveau design est né d'une suggestion de l'équipe marketing.
This new design was born from a suggestion by the marketing team.
Choosing a vacation spot
On est allés en Bretagne d'une suggestion de mon cousin.
We went to Brittany from a suggestion by my cousin.
Texting a friend about a meeting
Je t'appelle suite à d'une suggestion de Julie.
I'm calling you following a suggestion from Julie.
Cultural Background
Attribution is vital for maintaining professional relationships.
Contraction
Always use 'd'une' in fast speech.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to identify the origin of an idea or plan.
- Grammatically contracts to 'd'une suggestion' in almost all cases.
- A polite way to give credit to others for their input.
What It Means
Think of d'une suggestion as the DNA of an idea. It tells everyone where a plan started. In French, we rarely say de une because of a rule called elision. We combine them into d'une. It sounds much smoother! It’s a way to point back to a spark of inspiration. You are basically saying, "This thing exists because someone suggested it."
How To Use It
You will usually see this phrase after verbs like partir (to start) or naître (to be born). For example, Tout est parti d'une suggestion. It acts as a bridge between the result and the original thought. You can also use it with suite à to mean "following a suggestion." It’s very flexible. You can use it in a sentence to sound humble. It shows you didn't do everything alone. It’s a great way to credit your friends or colleagues.
When To Use It
Use this when you’re explaining a choice. Maybe you’re at a restaurant because a friend suggested it. Or perhaps a new office policy started from a teammate's idea. It’s perfect for meetings when you want to be collaborative. It’s also great for social storytelling. "How did we end up in this weird karaoke bar?" "Oh, it came d'une suggestion from Paul!" It adds a layer of logic to your narrative.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for mandatory orders. If your boss tells you to do something, it’s not really a "suggestion" anymore. It’s a directive or an ordre. Also, avoid it for physical origins. You wouldn't say a cake is made d'une suggestion; it’s made of flour. Use it only for the conceptual start of things. If the idea was your own and you want to take full credit, maybe keep this phrase in your pocket!
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on the "art of the proposal." In French workplaces, people often prefer proposer (to suggest) over imposer (to impose). It’s considered more elegant and diplomatic. The phrase reflects a society that loves debate and intellectual exchange. Even the famous "Suggestion Box" (la boîte à idées) is a staple in many French companies. It shows that every voice can spark a big change.
Common Variations
You might hear sur une suggestion de... which means "at the suggestion of..." This is very common in formal writing or credits. Another one is à partir d'une suggestion, which emphasizes the starting point. If you want to be more casual, you might just say C'est l'idée d'une amie (It's a friend's idea). But d'une suggestion sounds a bit more structured and thoughtful. It’s the B2 way to show you master the flow of ideas.
Usage Notes
Always remember the elision (`d'une`). This phrase is safe for all contexts but shines in collaborative environments where you want to show humility or give credit.
Contraction
Always use 'd'une' in fast speech.
Examples
6Ce nouveau design est né d'une suggestion de l'équipe marketing.
This new design was born from a suggestion by the marketing team.
Uses 'naître' to show the birth of an idea.
On est allés en Bretagne d'une suggestion de mon cousin.
We went to Brittany from a suggestion by my cousin.
Explains the reasoning behind a travel choice.
Je t'appelle suite à d'une suggestion de Julie.
I'm calling you following a suggestion from Julie.
Common way to start a conversation based on a third party's advice.
Ma nouvelle coiffure ? Ça vient d'une suggestion de mon chat !
My new haircut? That comes from a suggestion from my cat!
Uses the phrase to deflect blame jokingly.
Cette réforme a été mise en place sur une suggestion du comité.
This reform was implemented at the suggestion of the committee.
A slightly more formal variation using 'sur'.
Tout a changé pour moi à partir d'une suggestion de mon mentor.
Everything changed for me starting from a suggestion by my mentor.
Shows the emotional impact of a simple idea.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Ce projet a été lancé ___ une suggestion de notre client.
The correct preposition for origin is 'de'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesCe projet a été lancé ___ une suggestion de notre client.
The correct preposition for origin is 'de'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it's too formal.
Related Phrases
à l'initiative de
similarat the initiative of
