A2verb1K

Recommend

UK /["/ˌrekəˈmend/","/ˌrekəˈmendz/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪd/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌrekəˈmend/","/ˌrekəˈmendz/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪd/","/ˌrekəˈmendɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to tell somebody that something is good or useful, or that somebody would be suitable for a particular job, etc.

In simple words: To say that someone should do something.

Examples

  • I recommend we try the new Italian restaurant in town.
  • Can you recommend a good book for me to read this summer?
  • She always knows how to recommend the best movies.
  • He recommended that I take a different route to avoid traffic.
  • The teacher recommended that all students complete their assignments on time.

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.

Grammar pattern

recommend + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'recommendation' as giving a hand to someone in need.

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

Synonyms

  • commend

Antonyms

  • discourage
  • dissuade

Common mistakes

  • Using 'recommend to' instead of just 'recommend'
  • Confusing with 'advice' — 'recommend' is a stronger suggestion
  • Omitting the object after 'recommend'