recommended
When we say something is recommended, it means someone thought it was a good idea or a good thing. They are suggesting it to you because they think you will like it or that it will be helpful. It's like when a friend tells you a movie is good, so you should watch it. They are recommending the movie. You can also recommend a place to eat or a book to read.
When something is recommended, it means it has been suggested or put forward as a good option, often by someone who has experience or knowledge of it. This term is used when endorsing something as suitable or beneficial, based on positive feedback, an expert opinion, or a successful prior experience. For example, a friend might recommend a restaurant they enjoyed, or a doctor might recommend a particular treatment. It implies a level of trust and approval, indicating that the choice is considered favorable and likely to yield good results.
When something is recommended, it signifies that it has been put forward with an endorsement of its suitability or excellence for a specific role or situation. This often stems from a position of authority, expertise, or direct positive experience, implying a strong suggestion of its value.
The act of recommending can convey a spectrum of motivations, from offering guidance based on objective assessment to sharing enthusiastic personal approval. It essentially acts as a powerful seal of approval, guiding others towards optimal choices or highly regarded entities.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The word "recommended" is a versatile term that you'll encounter frequently in both spoken and written English. As a CEFR B1 level word, understanding its nuances will significantly enhance your ability to express suggestions and endorsements. Essentially, when something is "recommended," it means that someone has suggested it as a good choice or suitable for a particular purpose. This suggestion often comes from a place of experience, expertise, or a positive personal encounter.
- DEFINITION
- To suggest that someone or something is a good choice or suitable for a particular purpose. It is often used when providing professional advice or sharing a positive personal experience.
One of the primary uses of "recommended" is in the context of professional advice. Imagine you're seeking guidance on a particular matter – perhaps a doctor suggesting a specific treatment, a financial advisor proposing an investment strategy, or a mechanic advising on car repairs. In these scenarios, the recommendation carries weight because it's based on their knowledge and expertise. For instance, a doctor might say:
I recommended that he get more rest.
Here, the doctor is using their professional judgment to suggest a course of action for the patient's well-being. The recommendation is a form of expert guidance.
Beyond professional advice, "recommended" is also widely used when sharing positive personal experiences. Think about asking a friend for a restaurant suggestion, a book recommendation, or a movie to watch. If they had a great experience, they'll likely "recommend" it to you. This is a very common and relatable use of the word. For example:
The new café on Elm Street was highly recommended by my colleague.
In this case, the colleague's positive experience leads them to suggest the café to others. This kind of recommendation is often driven by a desire to share good finds and help others have similar positive experiences.
The word "recommended" can function as both an adjective and a past participle verb. When used as an adjective, it describes something that has received a suggestion of approval. For example, you might talk about a "recommended book list" or a "recommended route." Here, "recommended" modifies the noun, indicating that these items have been suggested as good choices.
As a past participle, it often appears in passive voice constructions or after auxiliary verbs. Consider the sentence: "The movie was recommended by many critics." Here, "recommended" is part of the passive verb phrase "was recommended." Another example would be: "She has recommended that we visit the museum." In this instance, "recommended" follows the auxiliary verb "has."
The strength of a recommendation can also vary. You might hear phrases like "highly recommended," "strongly recommended," or "personally recommended" to emphasize the conviction behind the suggestion. Conversely, something might be "tentatively recommended" if there are some reservations. These adverbs help to convey the degree of enthusiasm or certainty of the person making the recommendation.
- Highly recommended: Indicates strong approval and confidence.
- Strongly recommended: Similar to 'highly recommended', emphasizing conviction.
- Personally recommended: Highlights that the recommendation comes from personal experience.
Understanding these nuances will help you not only use "recommended" accurately but also interpret the intentions behind others' recommendations. It's a key word for expressing opinions, offering advice, and guiding decisions in many aspects of daily life.
§ How to use 'recommended' in a sentence
The word 'recommended' can be a bit tricky because it has two main grammatical roles: as an adjective and as a verb in its past participle form. Understanding these roles and how to use them with different prepositions will help you use it accurately and naturally.
§ 'Recommended' as an Adjective
When 'recommended' functions as an adjective, it describes a noun, telling us that something or someone has been suggested as suitable or good. In this case, it usually comes before the noun it modifies, or after a linking verb like 'is' or 'was'.
- Grammar
- Adjective + Noun
This is a highly recommended book for beginners.
- Grammar
- Noun + Linking Verb + Adjective
The restaurant was recommended by my friend.
When using 'recommended' as an adjective, you might also see it with prepositions like 'for' or 'to', indicating the purpose or the recipient of the recommendation.
- Preposition
- recommended for (a purpose/group)
This software is recommended for professional photographers.
- Preposition
- recommended to (a person)
The doctor recommended a specialist to his patient.
§ 'Recommended' as a Past Participle (Verb)
When 'recommended' is used as a past participle, it's part of a verb tense (like the present perfect or past perfect) or in the passive voice. In these cases, it indicates an action that has been completed: the act of recommending.
- Grammar
- Present Perfect (has/have recommended)
They have recommended this course to many students.
- Grammar
- Passive Voice (was/were recommended)
The new safety measures were recommended by the expert panel.
When 'recommended' is used as a verb, particularly in the passive voice, it often uses 'by' to introduce the person or group who did the recommending.
- Preposition
- recommended by (who made the recommendation)
The restaurant was highly recommended by local food critics.
§ Common Phrases and Structures with 'Recommended'
Here are some common ways 'recommended' appears in sentences:
It is recommended that... This is a very common structure for formal advice or suggestions.
It is recommended that you arrive an hour before your flight.
Recommended to do something... This indicates what action is being advised.
She was recommended to take a break.
Recommended as... This specifies the role or classification being suggested.
He was recommended as the best candidate for the job.
§ Key Takeaways
'Recommended' can act as an adjective (e.g., 'a recommended product') or a verb's past participle (e.g., 'he was recommended').
When it's an adjective, it often describes a noun and can be followed by 'for' (purpose/group) or 'to' (person).
When it's a past participle, especially in the passive voice, 'by' introduces the recommender.
Pay attention to the context to determine its grammatical function and the most appropriate preposition to use.
§ Common Mistakes with "Recommended"
The word "recommended" is quite versatile, serving as both an adjective and a past participle of the verb "to recommend." While its core meaning of suggesting something as a good choice is straightforward, its usage can sometimes lead to common errors, especially for English learners at the B1 CEFR level. Understanding these pitfalls can significantly improve accuracy and fluency.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing "Recommended" with "Suggest" in structure
One frequent mistake is using "recommended" directly followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) when the intention is to recommend an action. While "suggest" can take a gerund, "recommend" typically prefers a different structure, often involving a 'that' clause or an infinitive phrase (though less common than the 'that' clause).
- Incorrect Usage
- The doctor recommended taking a break.
- Correct Usage
- The doctor recommended that I take a break. (Subjunctive mood, common after recommend)
The travel agent recommended that we visit Italy in the spring.
§ Mistake 2: Overusing "Highly Recommended" when a simpler adverb would suffice
While "highly recommended" is perfectly correct and natural for emphasizing a strong recommendation, some learners tend to overuse "highly" in situations where a simpler adverb like "strongly" or even just letting "recommended" stand alone would be more appropriate and less redundant.
- Less Natural
- This restaurant is highly recommended for its good food, but not necessarily exceptional.
- More Natural
- This restaurant is recommended for its good food.
The new book comes highly recommended by critics.
§ Mistake 3: Incorrect prepositional phrases
While "recommended for" is common for stating the purpose or reason for the recommendation, sometimes learners mistakenly use other prepositions that don't fit the context.
- Recommended for: Used to indicate the purpose or the group for whom something is recommended.
- Recommended by: Used to indicate who made the recommendation.
- Recommended to: Used to indicate who received the recommendation.
- Incorrect Usage
- This movie was recommended to its stunning visuals.
- Correct Usage
- This movie was recommended for its stunning visuals.
The new software is recommended for advanced users.
§ Mistake 4: Redundancy when expressing personal opinion
Sometimes learners add phrases like "I recommend it" after already stating their recommendation, creating a redundant sentence. While emphasis can be good, unnecessary repetition should be avoided for concise communication.
- Redundant Usage
- This book is great, I recommend it.
- More Concise
- This book is great.
The new café has delicious coffee; I recommend it.
§ Mistake 5: Misplacing "recommended" as an adjective
As an adjective, "recommended" describes a noun. Misplacing it within a sentence can lead to awkward phrasing or ambiguity.
- Awkward Placement
- The recommended age is 12 and above by the game.
- Better Placement
- The game's recommended age is 12 and above.
The travel guide listed several recommended hotels.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, B1 learners can use "recommended" with greater precision and confidence, enhancing the clarity and naturalness of their English communication.
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Recommended' vs. Alternatives
When you want to suggest something as a good option, 'recommended' is a versatile and commonly used word. However, the English language offers a rich array of synonyms, each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the most precise and impactful word for your context.
- Recommended
- This implies a suggestion based on experience, knowledge, or a generally positive assessment. It’s often used in a professional or advisory capacity, or when sharing a positive personal experience.
The chef recommended the seafood pasta, and it was delicious.
This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in ancient history.
§ Alternatives to 'Recommended'
- Suggested: This is a very close synonym and can often be used interchangeably with 'recommended.' 'Suggested' can be slightly more neutral and less emphatic than 'recommended.' It simply means to put forward an idea or plan for consideration.
I suggested we meet at the café tomorrow.
While 'recommended' often implies a positive endorsement, 'suggested' can simply be an offering of an idea without necessarily a strong backing.
- Advised: 'Advised' carries a stronger sense of expertise and formality. It implies giving counsel or guidance, often from someone with authority or specialized knowledge.
The doctor advised him to get more rest.
You wouldn't typically say a friend 'advised' a restaurant, but they might 'recommend' it. An expert or professional would 'advise.'
- Endorsed: To 'endorse' means to give approval or support to something, often publicly. It can imply a more formal and official backing.
The celebrity endorsed the new product in their advertisement.
While you can 'recommend' a product, 'endorsed' suggests a more deliberate and often public act of support, especially in a commercial context.
- Commended: This word means to praise formally or officially. While it involves a positive assessment, it’s not about suggesting something for use, but rather about acknowledging its excellence.
The jury commended the artist for her innovative work.
You wouldn't 'commend' a restaurant to a friend, but you might 'recommend' it. You would 'commend' a person's effort or a piece of work.
- Proposed: To 'propose' means to put forward a plan or idea for consideration, often in a formal setting or when seeking agreement.
The committee proposed a new budget for the project.
While you might 'recommend' a course of action, 'propose' is often used for more significant or formal plans that require discussion and approval.
§ The Power of 'Highly Recommended'
Adding an intensifier like 'highly' or 'strongly' to 'recommended' significantly boosts its impact, indicating a particularly enthusiastic endorsement.
This restaurant comes highly recommended by locals.
In summary, while 'recommended' is a solid choice for most situations where you want to suggest something positively, exploring its synonyms can add richness and precision to your language. Each word, while similar, contributes a slightly different shade of meaning to your communication.
How Formal Is It?
"The financial advisor counseled clients on prudent investment strategies."
"She suggested a new restaurant for dinner."
"He hinted that we should try the new coffee shop down the street."
"Mommy told us to pick the biggest apple for a snack."
"My friend put us onto this cool new band."
Difficulty Rating
The word is common, but its past participle form might be slightly challenging for B1 learners to consistently recognize in all contexts.
Spelling and correct usage as an adjective or verb (past participle) might pose a minor challenge for B1 learners.
Pronunciation is generally straightforward, but correctly using it in spontaneous speech, especially with appropriate collocations, might require some practice for B1 learners.
Common enough to be easily understood in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Can be followed by a 'that' clause (often with the subjunctive mood or 'should').
I recommended that he speak to a lawyer.
Can be followed by a gerund (-ing form of a verb).
I recommended trying the new restaurant.
Can be followed by a noun phrase.
She recommended a good book.
Can be used in a passive voice construction.
It is recommended that you arrive early.
When used as an adjective (past participle), it often appears before a noun or after a linking verb.
This is a highly recommended product. The restaurant came highly recommended.
Examples by Level
The highly acclaimed novel was recommended by numerous literary critics for its profound insights into the human condition.
Many literary critics suggested the book because it explored deep human ideas.
Passive voice, emphasizing the novel as the recipient of the recommendation.
After careful consideration, the committee unanimously recommended a new policy to address the escalating environmental concerns.
The committee agreed to suggest a new plan to deal with rising environmental problems.
Adverb 'unanimously' highlights the agreement of the committee.
Her doctor recommended a strict diet and regular exercise to improve her overall cardiovascular health.
Her doctor advised a healthy diet and exercise for her heart.
Direct object 'a strict diet and regular exercise' follows the verb 'recommended'.
For those seeking an authentic cultural experience, the local tour guide highly recommended visiting the bustling night market.
The tour guide strongly suggested the night market for a real cultural experience.
Adverb 'highly' intensifies the recommendation.
The software engineer recommended upgrading the system's infrastructure to enhance its performance and security features.
The engineer advised improving the system to make it work better and be safer.
Gerund 'upgrading' follows 'recommended', indicating the action being suggested.
Despite the initial skepticism, the innovative approach was ultimately recommended for implementation by the project team.
Even though they were unsure at first, the team finally suggested using the new method.
Passive voice, showing the approach as the subject of the recommendation.
The professor recommended several scholarly articles to the students for their research on contemporary economic theories.
The professor suggested some academic papers for the students' research.
Indirect object 'to the students' indicates who received the recommendation.
Based on her extensive experience, the seasoned chef recommended a specific brand of olive oil for its superior quality and flavor.
The experienced chef suggested a certain olive oil brand because it was very good.
Prepositional phrase 'based on her extensive experience' provides context for the recommendation.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
it is highly recommended that
यह अत्यधिक अनुशंसित है कि
this product is highly recommended
यह उत्पाद अत्यधिक अनुशंसित है
I was recommended to
मुझे सलाह दी गई थी कि
can you recommend a good restaurant?
क्या आप एक अच्छे रेस्टोरेंट का सुझाव दे सकते हैं?
he recommended me for the job
उसने मुझे नौकरी के लिए सिफारिश की
we recommend booking in advance
हम अग्रिम बुकिंग की सलाह देते हैं
this book comes highly recommended
यह किताब बहुत अधिक अनुशंसित है
the doctor recommended rest
डॉक्टर ने आराम करने की सलाह दी
it's recommended for beginners
यह शुरुआती लोगों के लिए अनुशंसित है
what do you recommend?
आप क्या सलाह देते हैं?
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
When a friend asks for movie suggestions:
- I'd highly recommend that movie, it was fantastic!
- It comes highly recommended by critics.
- You should definitely check it out.
In a professional setting, advising a colleague on a tool or strategy:
- I'd recommend using this software for the project.
- Our team has recommended this approach before.
- It's widely recommended for its efficiency.
When a doctor suggests a treatment or lifestyle change:
- I recommend getting more rest.
- This medication is recommended for your condition.
- The doctor recommended a follow-up appointment.
Reviewing a restaurant or product:
- I can't recommend this place enough!
- The food here is highly recommended.
- It's a recommended product for anyone looking for quality.
A tourist asking for local attractions:
- I'd recommend visiting the historical district.
- The local guide recommended this hidden gem.
- It's a highly recommended spot for tourists.
Conversation Starters
"What's something you've recently used or experienced that you would recommend to others?"
"Have you ever been recommended something that turned out to be completely different than you expected?"
"In your opinion, what's a book or movie that everyone should be recommended to watch or read?"
"What kind of recommendations do you usually trust the most – from friends, experts, or online reviews?"
"Can you think of a time when you strongly recommended something to someone, and it worked out well?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when someone recommended something to you that truly improved your day or solved a problem. What was it, and why was it so helpful?
Think about a product or service you frequently recommend to others. What are its key features or benefits that make you so enthusiastic about it?
Write about a situation where you had to recommend a solution or approach in a professional setting. How did you present your recommendation, and what was the outcome?
Reflect on a time you received a recommendation that you initially doubted but later found to be valuable. What changed your perception?
Imagine you are a travel agent. What five places would you recommend to a friend who wants an adventurous vacation, and why?
Test Yourself 48 questions
My teacher ___ that I read this book.
The teacher suggested the book, so 'recommended' is the correct word.
The doctor ___ I rest for a few days.
Doctors give advice, so 'recommended' fits here.
I ___ this movie to my friends. It's very good!
To tell friends about a good movie is to 'recommend' it.
She ___ the new restaurant to her family.
Suggesting a restaurant makes 'recommended' the right choice.
My mom ___ I wear a warm coat today.
A mom's advice about clothes is a 'recommendation'.
They ___ the hotel because it was clean.
When something is good, you 'recommend' it.
This sentence structure starts with the subject 'I', followed by the verb 'recommended', and then the object 'pizza'.
The correct order is subject ('He'), verb ('recommended'), and then the object phrase ('a book').
Start with the subject 'She', then the verb 'recommended', and finally the object 'the restaurant'.
This sentence structure is common for making recommendations.
This sentence shows someone giving a past recommendation.
This is a simple question asking for a recommendation.
The travel agent _______ a fantastic resort for our honeymoon.
Recommended fits best as it implies a positive personal experience or professional advice about a good choice.
Which sentence uses 'recommended' correctly?
When recommending an action, 'recommended that + subject + base verb' is the correct structure.
My friend always _______ good books to read.
Recommends is the most appropriate verb for suggesting good books based on personal experience.
If someone 'recommended' a restaurant, it means they thought it was not a good place to eat.
To recommend something means to suggest it as a good choice, so the opposite is true.
You can use 'recommended' when sharing a positive personal experience about something.
Sharing a positive personal experience is a common use of 'recommended'.
It is grammatically correct to say 'He recommended me a new laptop'.
This sentence structure is common and acceptable for recommending something directly to someone.
The travel agent _______ a fantastic resort for our honeymoon, and we absolutely loved it.
While 'suggested,' 'proposed,' and 'advised' can also imply giving advice, 'recommended' is the best fit here as it directly implies suggesting something as a good choice based on a positive experience or knowledge, which aligns with the context of a travel agent and a positive outcome.
For anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills, I highly _______ joining a local Toastmasters club.
'Recommend' is the most appropriate verb here because it means to suggest something as a good choice for a particular purpose (improving public speaking skills). 'Offer' means to present something for acceptance, 'declare' means to announce something formally, and 'state' means to express something clearly.
The restaurant was _______ by several food critics, so we had high expectations.
In this context, 'recommended' means that the food critics suggested the restaurant as a good choice. While 'praised' and 'endorsed' are similar, 'recommended' specifically implies suggesting it as suitable or good for others to try. 'Advertised' means to promote a product or service.
If a doctor 'recommends' a treatment, it means they are advising it as a good course of action for your health.
To 'recommend' something, especially in a professional context like a doctor, means to suggest it as a suitable or beneficial course of action.
When you 'recommend' a book to a friend, you are typically suggesting they avoid reading it.
When you 'recommend' a book, you are suggesting that your friend read it because you believe it is a good choice, not that they should avoid it.
If a product is 'recommended' by a consumer magazine, it usually means it has been reviewed positively and is considered a good purchase.
A 'recommended' product in a consumer magazine implies that experts or reviewers have found it to be a good choice and suitable for purchase, often due to positive features or performance.
The newly appointed consultant came highly ___ for his expertise in organizational restructuring.
To be 'highly recommended' means to be strongly suggested or praised for one's qualities or abilities. 'Advised' and 'proposed' don't fit the context of a person's expertise, and 'endorsed' is close but 'recommended' is the most natural fit in this common collocation.
Despite initial skepticism, her innovative approach was ultimately ___ by the entire board of directors.
In this context, 'recommended' signifies that the board formally suggested or endorsed her approach as a good choice. While 'supported' is also plausible, 'recommended' implies a more active, advisory role in promoting the approach.
For anyone looking to delve into classical literature, this anthology comes highly ___ by literary critics.
An anthology being 'highly recommended' means it's strongly suggested as a good choice for a particular purpose (delving into classical literature). 'Commended' means praised, but not necessarily suggested for use, and 'referenced' and 'approved' don't fit the context of a suggestion for reading.
The restaurant's tasting menu is highly ___ for those who wish to experience a diverse range of their culinary creations.
The tasting menu being 'highly recommended' implies it's a strong suggestion or positive endorsement for experiencing the restaurant's offerings. 'Prescribed' and 'ordained' are too formal and restrictive, and 'advised' is a possibility but 'recommended' is more common for suggesting a dining experience.
After careful consideration, the committee ___ that the new policy be implemented without delay.
Here, 'recommended' means the committee suggested or put forward the new policy as the best course of action. While 'proposed' and 'advocated' are similar, 'recommended' often carries the weight of a considered opinion, fitting the 'careful consideration' of a committee.
The software is widely ___ by industry professionals for its robust security features and user-friendly interface.
When software is 'widely recommended,' it means many professionals suggest it as a good choice due to its qualities. 'Appraised' means evaluated, 'championed' means supported passionately, and 'validated' means confirmed, none of which perfectly capture the idea of suggesting it as a suitable option.
This sentence structure places the adverb 'highly' before the verb 'recommended' to emphasize the degree of the recommendation, followed by the direct object 'the proposal' and the purpose 'for approval.'
The passive voice 'is often recommended' is used to highlight the restaurant as the recipient of the action. 'By critics' indicates the agents of the recommendation, and 'for its innovative cuisine' explains the reason.
This sentence uses 'recommended' as an adjective modifying 'candidate,' preceded by the superlative 'most' to indicate the highest degree of recommendation, linked by the verb 'made her.'
This sentence structure reflects a formal and sophisticated expression of a recommendation for a significant change.
This sentence emphasizes the strong suitability of the individual based on their qualifications, using 'highly recommended' in a more nuanced way.
This sentence demonstrates the formal process of an approach being recommended, even after initial reservations, implying thorough consideration.
/ 48 correct
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