Cool MateRecommend vs Suggest
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Recommend
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Suggest
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
| Recommend | Suggest | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌrekəˈmend/","/ˌrekəˈmendz/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪd/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌrekəˈmend/","/ˌrekəˈmendz/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪd/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈdʒest/","/səˈdʒests/","/səˈdʒestɪd/","/səˈdʒestɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈdʒest//səɡˈdʒest/","/səˈdʒests//səɡˈdʒests/","/səˈdʒestɪd//səɡˈdʒestɪd/","/səˈdʒestɪŋ//səɡˈdʒestɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To say that someone should do something. | To show an idea or recommendation to someone |
| Example | I recommend we try the new Italian restaurant in town. | I would like to suggest a new approach to the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | highly, thoroughly, certainly, for, to, something has a lot to recommend it, something has much to recommend it, strongly, particularly, specifically, for, to, highly, thoroughly, certainly, for, to, something has a lot to recommend it, something has much to recommend it | highly, strongly, tentatively, seem reasonable to, be far-fetched to, seem far-fetched to, as, for, to, can I suggest…, I suggest…, I would suggest…, certainly, clearly, strongly, seem to, be meant to, highly, strongly, tentatively, seem reasonable to, be far-fetched to, seem far-fetched to, as, for, to, can I suggest…, I suggest…, I would suggest… |
| Antonyms | discourage, dissuade | discourage, dissuade |
| Common mistakes | Using 'recommend to' instead of just 'recommend', Confusing with 'advice' — 'recommend' is a stronger suggestion, Omitting the object after 'recommend' | 'Suggesting to' someone instead of 'suggesting that' someone do something., Using 'suggest' with a gerund instead of a noun clause., Confusing 'suggest' with 'recommend'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'recommend' when suggesting something to someone. It is suitable in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in very casual situations where a simpler word might work better. | Common in suggestions and advice. Suitable in most contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings. Avoid using in very formal writing, opt for 'propose' instead. |
Frequently asked questions: Recommend vs Suggest
What's the difference between Recommend and Suggest?
Recommend: To say that someone should do something. Suggest: To show an idea or recommendation to someone
Are Recommend and Suggest the same CEFR level?
Recommend: A2, Suggest: A2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Recommend and Suggest interchangeably?
Not always. Recommend and Suggest are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.