recommend
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˌɛkəmˈɛnd/
US
- /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/
Description
- suggest
- advise
- endorse
To recommend something is to suggest it as good or right for a situation, like telling a friend who is new in town about your favorite pizza place. It is more than just mentioning something; you are also showing your approval. A teacher might recommend a book for extra credit, a mechanic might recommend a repair, or a friend might recommend a movie they think you will love. You can also recommend a person for a job, meaning you believe they would be a good fit. Think of it as sharing something useful with someone else and hoping it helps.
To recommend means to put forward someone or something as being worthy of consideration, approval, or trust. It's more than just saying you like something; it implies that you believe it would be beneficial or enjoyable for another person. For example, the statement "The doctor recommended a change in diet" suggests the doctor believes this change will improve your health.
You can recommend people as well—often for jobs, awards, or opportunities. "I wholeheartedly recommend Sarah for the position; she's incredibly skilled and dedicated." This means you strongly believe she's qualified and would be an asset to the team.
The context of a recommendation is important. A restaurant critic recommends a new eatery based on professional judgment. A friend recommends a band because they know your taste in music. A travel guide recommends sights to see, hoping you'll have a memorable experience.
When you recommend something, you are not only naming it; you are also giving it your support. That is why the word often carries a sense of trust. A recommendation is usually based on experience, judgment, or confidence. So when someone asks for your opinion, recommending something is more than making a casual suggestion; it is a way of saying, "I think this is worth your time."
Examples
- 1
Everyday request
Can you recommend a good restaurant near the station?
- 2
Personal advice
My teacher recommended this podcast to me.
Pattern
recommend + thing + to + person
- 3
Advising action
I wouldn't recommend driving in the city at rush hour.
Pattern
recommend + -ing
say an action is a good idea
- 4
Formal advice
The doctor recommended that he take a few days off work.
Grammar
recommend that + person + base verb
- 5
Job suitability
Several people recommended her for the job.
Pattern
recommend + person + for + role
say they are suitable
- 6
Passive source
This cafe was recommended to us by a local.
- 7
Strong endorsement
The guidebook highly recommends booking tickets online.
Phrase
highly recommend
recommend very strongly
- 8
Warning
We recommend against using this skin cream on children under two.
Pattern
recommend against + -ing
advise people not to do it
- 9
Enthusiastic praise
If you like slow movies, I can't recommend it enough.
Phrase
I can't recommend it enough
I recommend it very strongly
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- recommendverb
Forms
- recommendedpast tenseverb
- recommendsverb
- recommending-ing formverb