I commend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I commend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing approval or praise for someone's actions or qualities. Example: "I commend your dedication to the project; it has truly made a difference in our team's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I commend its persistence.

The New York Times

I commend them".

The New York Times

I commend him for it.

The Guardian

Something I commend you for too!

The New York Times

I commend your self-reliant decision.

The New York Times - Magazine

I commend this Budget to the House".

Independent

I commend them for their courage.

Independent

I commend Governor Romney for doing it".

The New York Times

PB, I commend this car to you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If he is, I commend his nerve.

The Guardian - Film

I commend it: it fits every foot.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I commend" when you want to formally express approval or praise, especially in professional or public contexts. It conveys a sense of respect and admiration.

Common error

Avoid using "I commend" in casual conversations or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "I praise" or "I admire" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I commend" serves as a declarative expression of praise or approval. It is typically used to formally acknowledge and appreciate someone's actions, qualities, or achievements. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is used in various contexts to convey respect and admiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I commend" is a versatile and widely used expression of formal praise and approval. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and professional settings. While it may sound overly formal in casual conversations, its strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability. Alternatives such as "I praise" or "I applaud" can be used in more informal contexts. Avoiding overuse in casual settings is crucial to maintain the appropriate tone. Overall, "I commend" remains a powerful and effective way to express respect and admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I praise

Replaces "commend" with a more direct synonym, indicating strong approval.

I applaud

Implies enthusiastic approval and admiration.

I admire

Focuses on the feeling of respect and approval for someone's qualities or actions.

I salute

Conveys respect and admiration, often used for formal or military contexts.

I congratulate

Specifically recognizes and celebrates someone's achievement.

I acknowledge

Recognizes and appreciates someone's effort or contribution.

I express my appreciation for

A more formal and elaborate way to show gratitude and recognition.

I give my blessing to

Acknowledge with praise in a formal or religious setting.

I offer my compliments

A formal way to express admiration and respect.

I highly recommend

Indicates strong support and approval, often used in professional settings.

FAQs

How can I use "I commend" in a sentence?

Use "I commend" to express your approval or praise for someone or something. For example, "I commend your efforts in leading this project" or "I commend the team's dedication to achieving this goal".

What are some alternatives to "I commend"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "I praise", "I applaud", "I admire", or "I congratulate" to express similar sentiments.

Is it appropriate to use "I commend" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I commend" is generally more suitable for formal or professional settings. In casual conversations, it might sound overly formal. Consider using alternatives like "I appreciate" or "good job".

What is the difference between "I commend" and "I recommend"?

"I commend" expresses approval or praise, while "I recommend" suggests something as suitable or worthy of choice. For example, "I commend his bravery" means you admire his courage, whereas "I recommend this book" suggests you believe the book is worth reading.