recommendation
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A formal suggestion or advice that someone or something is good or suitable for a particular purpose or job.
A positive endorsement or proposal; can refer to a statement, letter, or algorithmically generated suggestion (e.g., from a streaming service).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies authority or expertise behind the suggestion. Differs from 'advice' by being more specific and actionable. Can be a countable noun (a recommendation, several recommendations).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the spelling 'recommendation' (not 'recommendation' vs. 'recommendation'). Grammar and usage are identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
recommendation for [something/someone]recommendation that [clause]recommendation to [infinitive]recommendation on [topic]recommendation from [source]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the recommendation of...”
- “speak in recommendation of...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal proposal for action, e.g., 'The committee accepted the consultant's recommendations.'
Academic
A suggestion based on research findings, e.g., 'The paper concludes with policy recommendations.'
Everyday
A personal suggestion for a product or service, e.g., 'I went to that restaurant on your recommendation.'
Technical
Algorithmic output suggesting content or products, e.g., 'The system's recommendation engine.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I would highly recommend this film.
- Can you recommend a good plumber?
- It is recommended that you book in advance.
American English
- I highly recommend this movie.
- Can you recommend a good contractor?
- It is recommended that you reserve tickets ahead of time.
adverb
British English
- He spoke recommendingly of the candidate's skills.
American English
- She talked recommendingly about the new software.
adjective
British English
- This book is highly recommendable.
- The hotel came with a recommended rating from the guidebook.
American English
- This book is highly recommendable.
- The hotel had a recommended rating from the travel site.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend gave me a recommendation for a good book.
- The doctor's recommendation was to rest.
- I chose this hotel based on an online recommendation.
- Do you have a recommendation for a local restaurant?
- The committee will issue its formal recommendations next week.
- His strong recommendation carried a lot of weight with the hiring manager.
- The report's central recommendation called for a radical overhaul of the funding model.
- Acting on the consultant's recommendation, they diversified their investment portfolio.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REcommend-ATION. An 'ATION' is often a noun formed from a verb. So, a 'recommendation' is the *thing* (noun) that results from the act of recommending (verb).
Conceptual Metaphor
RECOMMENDATION IS A PATH ("follow a recommendation"), A GIFT ("give a recommendation"), OR A STAMP OF APPROVAL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'рекомендация' as always meaning 'reference letter' (though it can). In English, it's broader.
- Do not use 'recommendation' to mean 'совет' in very informal, trivial contexts (use 'tip' or 'advice' instead).
- The verb is 'to recommend', not 'to *recommendation'.'
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling: 'recomendation' (missing one 'm').
- Incorrect preposition: 'recommendation of doing' (use 'recommendation to do' or 'recommendation that...').
- Using as an uncountable noun: 'He gave me some good recommendation.' (Should be 'a good recommendation' or 'some good recommendations').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'recommendation' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily countable (e.g., 'several recommendations'). It is rarely used uncountably, except in very formal or legal contexts (e.g., 'a statement of recommendation').
'Advice' is more general guidance, often uncountable. 'Recommendation' is a specific, formal, and actionable suggestion, usually countable and stemming from some expertise.
Common patterns are: 'a recommendation FOR something', 'a recommendation TO do something', 'a recommendation THAT something be done', and 'a recommendation FROM someone'.
Yes, in contexts like 'letter of recommendation' or 'to write someone a recommendation', it specifically refers to a formal document endorsing someone for a position or opportunity.