B1noun2K

Recommendation

UK /["/ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn/"]/

Definition

an official suggestion about the best thing to do

In simple words: A suggestion about what someone should do.

Examples

  • I took your recommendation and tried the new Italian restaurant in town.
  • The teacher gave a recommendation for the student to attend a special program.
  • He always seeks a recommendation before making a major decision.
  • The recommendation from my friend helped me find a great book to read.
  • Based on her strong performance, I wrote a glowing recommendation for her scholarship application.

Usage notes

Use 'recommendation' when suggesting options, often in professional or formal contexts. It may not be suitable for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

recommendation + object

Memory hint

Think of 'recommend' as 'recommending a great idea!'

Collocations

  • firm
  • strong
  • clear
  • list
  • series
  • set
  • come up with
  • develop
  • formulate
  • arise from something
  • be based on something
  • follow something
  • at somebody/​something’s recommendation
  • on somebody/​something’s recommendation
  • upon somebody/​something’s recommendation
  • enthusiastic
  • glowing
  • high
  • give somebody/​something
  • get
  • receive
  • letter
  • at somebody’s recommendation
  • on somebody’s recommendation
  • upon somebody’s recommendation
  • a letter of recommendation
  • enthusiastic
  • glowing
  • high
  • give somebody/​something
  • get
  • receive
  • letter
  • at somebody’s recommendation
  • on somebody’s recommendation
  • upon somebody’s recommendation
  • a letter of recommendation

Synonyms

  • testimonial

Antonyms

  • disrecommendation
  • warning

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'recommendation' with 'advice' — they are similar but not identical.
  • Using it without a specific object, e.g., 'I have a recommendation' instead of 'I have a recommendation for you.'
  • Spelling it incorrectly, often as 'reccommendation'.