In 15 Seconds
- Used when acting on someone else's expert or personal advice.
- Common in professional, medical, or high-end service contexts.
- Signals that you are part of a trusted social network.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you do something because someone else suggested it was a good idea. It is the French way of saying you are acting 'on the recommendation' of a friend, doctor, or colleague.
Key Examples
3 of 7At a pharmacy
Je prends ce sirop sous la recommandation de mon pharmacien.
I am taking this syrup on the recommendation of my pharmacist.
Ordering at a nice restaurant
Nous avons choisi ce vin sous la recommandation du sommelier.
We chose this wine on the recommendation of the sommelier.
In a job interview
Je vous contacte sous la recommandation de Monsieur Durand.
I am contacting you on the recommendation of Mr. Durand.
Cultural Background
In France, the 'recommandation' is a key part of the 'réseau' (network). It is often seen as more important than a CV alone. In Quebec, you might hear 'sous la recommandation' more frequently due to the proximity and influence of English ('under the recommendation'). However, 'sur' remains the standard in formal writing. In many West African countries, a recommendation often carries a weight of social obligation and respect for elders or community leaders. In the corporate world, 'recommandation' is often used for software or algorithmic suggestions (e.g., Netflix, Amazon).
The 'De' Rule
Always remember to contract 'de' with the following article: 'de le' becomes 'du', 'de les' becomes 'des'.
Gender Trap
Never say 'le recommandation'. It is a feminine noun. This is the most common mistake for B2 learners.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when acting on someone else's expert or personal advice.
- Common in professional, medical, or high-end service contexts.
- Signals that you are part of a trusted social network.
What It Means
Think of this as your social or professional safety net. When you use sous la recommandation, you are explaining the 'why' behind your choice. You didn't just pick that wine or that lawyer at random. You chose them because someone you trust pointed the way. It implies a transfer of trust from the recommender to the thing or person you are now engaging with.
How To Use It
Grammatically, it is quite simple. You follow it with de (of) and the person who gave the advice. For example: sous la recommandation de mon médecin. It acts as a prepositional phrase. You can drop it at the start of a sentence to set the stage. Or, tuck it at the end to justify your decision. It’s like showing your 'source' in a conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound credible. It works beautifully in professional settings. Imagine you are hiring a new freelancer. You might say you contacted them sous la recommandation of a former boss. It also works in high-end leisure. If you are at a fancy Michelin-star restaurant, tell the sommelier you are ordering a specific bottle sous la recommandation of the chef. It makes you look like an insider.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for trivial, everyday things with close friends. If your best friend told you to try a new candy bar, saying sous la recommandation sounds way too stiff. It’s like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. In those cases, just say parce que tu m'as dit (because you told me). Also, avoid it if the advice was more of a command. If your boss ordered you to do something, this phrase is too soft.
Cultural Background
French culture places a massive premium on 'le réseau' (the network). Who you know often matters as much as what you know. Using this phrase signals that you are part of a circle. It taps into the French tradition of 'le piston' (nepotism or networking). By mentioning a recommendation, you aren't just a stranger; you are a 'friend of a friend.' This opens doors in France that remain closed to others.
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit more modern, you might say sur les conseils de (on the advice of). This is slightly less formal but carries the same weight. In very casual texts, you might just see recommandé par. If you are feeling extra fancy in a legal or official document, you might see sur recommandation de, dropping the article la entirely. It sounds very 'official' and slightly old-school.
Usage Notes
This is a formal collocation. Ensure the 'de' agrees with the gender and number of the person giving the recommendation. It is best reserved for professional or high-stakes social situations.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember to contract 'de' with the following article: 'de le' becomes 'du', 'de les' becomes 'des'.
Gender Trap
Never say 'le recommandation'. It is a feminine noun. This is the most common mistake for B2 learners.
Politeness
Using this phrase in a shop or restaurant makes you sound like a very sophisticated and respectful customer.
Examples
7Je prends ce sirop sous la recommandation de mon pharmacien.
I am taking this syrup on the recommendation of my pharmacist.
Shows you are following professional medical advice.
Nous avons choisi ce vin sous la recommandation du sommelier.
We chose this wine on the recommendation of the sommelier.
Adds a touch of class to your dining experience.
Je vous contacte sous la recommandation de Monsieur Durand.
I am contacting you on the recommendation of Mr. Durand.
A classic way to mention a professional referral.
J'ai lu ce roman sous la recommandation de ma sœur, et j'adore !
I read this novel on my sister's recommendation, and I love it!
Slightly formal for a sibling, but shows you value her taste.
J'ai acheté cet aspirateur robot sous la recommandation de mon chat.
I bought this robot vacuum on my cat's recommendation.
A playful way to use a formal phrase for something silly.
Je viens vous voir sous la recommandation de mon avocat.
I am coming to see you on the recommendation of my lawyer.
Common in serious administrative or legal matters.
On a trouvé cette galerie sous la recommandation d'un artiste local.
We found this gallery on the recommendation of a local artist.
Makes the discovery feel exclusive and curated.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article.
J'ai contacté ce garage ______ ______ recommandation de mon voisin.
'Recommandation' is feminine, and 'sur' is the standard preposition.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal job application?
How should you mention a referral?
This version uses the correct formal collocation and gender.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi as-tu choisi ce vin ? B: Je l'ai pris ________________ du sommelier.
In a restaurant context with a sommelier, 'recommandation' is the most polished choice.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. Sur les conseils de... 2. Sur la recommandation de... 3. Sous l'impulsion de...
These nuances help you choose the right level of formality.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJ'ai contacté ce garage ______ ______ recommandation de mon voisin.
'Recommandation' is feminine, and 'sur' is the standard preposition.
How should you mention a referral?
This version uses the correct formal collocation and gender.
A: Pourquoi as-tu choisi ce vin ? B: Je l'ai pris ________________ du sommelier.
In a restaurant context with a sommelier, 'recommandation' is the most polished choice.
1. Sur les conseils de... 2. Sur la recommandation de... 3. Sous l'impulsion de...
These nuances help you choose the right level of formality.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is technically used in some legal or administrative texts, but in 99% of cases, 'sur la recommandation' is the correct and more natural form.
Yes! 'J'ai regardé ce film sur la recommandation de mon frère' is perfectly natural.
'Conseil' is general advice. 'Recommandation' is a specific endorsement of a person, product, or service.
You would say 'Je recommande vivement' or 'Je recommande chaudement'.
Both are okay, but 'sur la recommandation de' is more common in full sentences. 'Sur recommandation' is often used in short notes or titles.
Absolutely. It's one of the best ways to start a professional email if someone referred you.
No, it's almost always positive. For negative advice, you'd say 'Malgré les avertissements de...'
Yes, but be careful of the 'sous' anglicism which is more common there.
Sur les recommandations de [Sources].
Yes, to mean 'on my recommendation'. For example: 'Il a été engagé sur ma recommandation.'
Related Phrases
sur les conseils de
synonymon the advice of
à la suggestion de
similarat the suggestion of
sous l'égide de
contrastunder the aegis/protection of
sur avis de
specialized formon the opinion of
