When a draft has already been discussed, directly editing it can make an unapproved change look settled. Suggesting mode in Google Docs lets a reviewer propose wording while the author decides whether to incorporate it.

Agree who is reviewing and who will make the final decision. The reviewer needs suitable comment or edit access. If the document is only viewable, ask the owner to arrange the intended access rather than making an unrelated copy and assuming everyone will find it.

Make a reviewable proposal

Switch the document to Suggesting before changing text. Google displays inserted text as a suggestion and deleted text as a proposed deletion. Add a short explanation when the reason would otherwise be unclear.

For an illustrative office example, changing “deliver on Monday” to “confirm the delivery date with the customer” is not merely a spelling correction. Explain that the date still needs confirmation. The author can then assess the operational change instead of accepting it as cosmetic editing.

Keep one proposal focused enough to review. A paragraph that simultaneously changes price, timing and scope is harder to accept safely. Use comments for questions that do not yet have a proposed answer. Remember that suggestions may generate notifications to the owner.

Finish the decision, then check the document

The author can accept or reject suggestions individually. An accept-all option is available, but it is appropriate only after the changes have actually been reviewed. Resolve the meaning of a proposed change before clearing the markup.

Read the resulting paragraph after acceptance. Check that surrounding text still agrees, such as a heading, table or repeated date. If the document will become a Word file, Google supports translating suggestions into tracked changes during conversion; inspect the exported file rather than assuming every aspect of the layout and review state survived.

Keep the final approved version clearly identified. Suggesting provides a useful editing trail, but it does not replace the team’s decision about who can authorise commercial or contractual wording.

References: Google Docs suggestions.