letter of recommendation

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   A letter written by someone who knows you, describing your abilities and character to support an application.

   Grammar: Countable: a letter of recommendation, two letters of recommendation. Often used with 'write' or 'ask for'.

   Patterns

   • write a letter of recommendation for someone
   • ask someone for a letter of recommendation
   • a letter of recommendation from someone

   She asked her professor to write a letter of recommendation for her graduate school application.

   The job posting requires two letters of recommendation from former employers.

   He sent a letter of recommendation from his coach along with his college application.

Word forms

Common combinations

write a letter of recommendation

Could you write a letter of recommendation for me?

ask for a letter of recommendation

You should ask for a letter of recommendation at least a month in advance.

a strong letter of recommendation

A strong letter of recommendation can make a big difference.

submit a letter of recommendation

Please submit your letter of recommendation by Friday.

Synonyms and how they differ

reference

Common in British English; it can also mean a person who speaks about you, not just the letter.

recommendation letter

A less formal word order with the same meaning, used in everyday speech.

Word family

recommend verb

To say that someone or something is good and should be chosen.

recommendation noun

Advice or a suggestion that something is good.

Commonly confused: letter of recommendation or letter of intent?

Practice

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