Using por qué no/y si/ qué tal si for suggestions in Spanish

Learn how to make suggestions in Spanish

In Spanish we can use the following structures when we want to make a suggestion:

Have a look at the following examples:

Notice how in all the above structures the verb is conjugated in El Presente. This is a strict rule for "por qué no..." - it does not admit any other tense. Bear in mind though that, although slightly less common, you may sometimes find El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo with "y si (no)..." and "qué tal si (no)...":

 See also:

• Using the present tense in Spanish for making suggestions
• Using poder to say could [do something] for polite requests and suggestions in Spanish (El Condicional Simple) 
• Using the conditional in Spanish to express hypothesis/wish/suggestion in the present or future 
• Using deber to say should in Spanish