recommend

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To tell someone that a person, product or place is good and worth choosing.

   Grammar: Takes an object: recommend a book; the person who gets the advice follows 'to': recommend it to a friend.

   Patterns

   • recommend something to someone
   • recommend someone for something
   • recommend something

   Could you recommend a good dentist in this area?

   I would highly recommend the lemon cake to anyone who visits.

   My manager recommended her for the promotion.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To advise that a particular action should be taken.

   Grammar: Followed by an -ing form or a that-clause: recommend waiting, recommend that he rest.

   Patterns

   • recommend doing something
   • recommend that someone do something

   The doctor recommended resting for a week.

   I recommend that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

   The committee recommends that the rule be changed.

3. 3verbtransitiveformal

   To make something attractive or acceptable, as a good quality or feature does.

   Grammar: Takes an object, often with a negative subject: little to recommend it.

   Patterns

   • something has little to recommend it
   • something recommends someone

   The flat is small and noisy, and it has little else to recommend it apart from the low rent.

   His honesty recommends him as a candidate.

   The hotel has much to recommend it, including the view.

Word forms

Common combinations

highly recommend

I highly recommend the evening tour of the castle.

strongly recommend

We strongly recommend booking a table in advance.

recommend a book

Can anyone recommend a book about the history of Rome?

recommend against

The inspector recommended against reopening the bridge.

recommend someone for a job

A former teacher agreed to recommend him for the job.

Synonyms and how they differ

suggest

Suggest is milder and does not imply you personally vouch for the choice, which recommend often does.

advise

Advise stresses giving guidance on what to do and can be stronger or more formal than a friendly recommendation.

endorse

Endorse means to publicly support something, often as an authority, so it is more official than recommend.

commend

Commend is formal and often means to praise, though it can also mean to recommend.

Opposites

Word family

recommendation noun

advice or a suggestion, or a letter supporting someone

recommended adjective

suggested as good or advisable

recommendable adjective

worth recommending

Commonly confused: recommend or reccomend?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “recommend”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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