recommend gerund or infinitive

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   a grammar question about whether 'recommend' is followed by an -ing form or a 'to' infinitive

   Grammar: 'Recommend' normally takes an -ing form or a 'that' clause, not a 'to' infinitive: recommend going, not recommend to go.

   Patterns

   • recommend doing something
   • recommend that someone do something
   • recommend something to someone

   Learners often ask about 'recommend gerund or infinitive' when they write sentences like 'I recommend visiting the museum.'

   The answer to 'recommend gerund or infinitive' is that the -ing form is correct after this verb.

   In class we studied 'recommend gerund or infinitive' and practiced with 'I recommend taking the earlier train.'

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   the pattern 'recommend + -ing' used to suggest an action to someone

   Grammar: The -ing form works because 'recommend' here means 'suggest doing'; a 'to' infinitive after it is a common error.

   Patterns

   • recommend doing something
   • recommend not doing something

   I recommend booking your tickets online to avoid the queue.

   She recommends walking along the river at sunset.

   They recommend not traveling during the holiday weekend.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   the pattern 'recommend that + subject + base verb', used for advice about what someone should do

   Grammar: After 'recommend that', use the base form of the verb with any subject: I recommend that he apply. 'Applies' and 'to apply' are both wrong here.

   Patterns

   • recommend that someone do something
   • recommend that something be done

   The doctor recommended that she rest for a week.

   We recommend that all visitors sign in at the front desk.

   The committee recommended that the plan be reviewed.

Common combinations

recommend doing something

I recommend taking the bus rather than driving.

strongly recommend

I strongly recommend reading the instructions first.

recommend that someone do something

They recommend that every student attend the orientation.

recommend something to someone

Can you recommend a good hotel to us?

Synonyms and how they differ

suggest

Follows the same pattern (suggest doing, suggest that someone do) and is often safer for learners; 'recommend' usually carries stronger approval.

advise

Can take a 'to' infinitive with an object (advise someone to do), which 'recommend' cannot do.

Opposites

Word family

recommendation noun

a suggestion that something is good or should be done

recommendable adjective

deserving to be suggested to others

Commonly confused: recommend gerund or infinitive or advise?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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