I recommended

USAGE SUMMARY

'I recommended' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about a situation in which you have given someone a suggestion or a piece of advice. For example, "I recommended that she apply for the job as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I picked him at Lou's recommendation," Howe said, "and I recommended him to Ken Macha".

The New York Times - Sports

I recommended a place.

The New York Times - Magazine

I recommended a child psychiatrist.

The New York Times - Health

"I recommended vacation for her.

The New York Times

So, "I recommended texting," she said.

The New York Times

"The course I recommended was eventually followed".

The New York Times

I recommended Joe for the trip, don't you remember.

The Guardian - Opinion

I recommended the concept to the White House.

The New York Times - Arts

"The course I recommended was eventually followed," he wrote.

The New York Times

"I recommended Doug for the job and he was the one person that could do it.

The New York Times - Sports

Last November, I recommended that the city increase the number of affordable housing units.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I recommended", clearly state the reason for your recommendation to provide context and enhance credibility. For example: "I recommended this approach because it aligns with our long-term goals."

Common error

While sometimes omitted in informal speech, including 'that' after "I recommended" in formal writing improves clarity and grammatical correctness. For example, prefer "I recommended that they review the report" over "I recommended they review the report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recommended" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past action of suggesting or endorsing something. This phrase introduces a recommendation that was made by the speaker, and is supported by the examples provided in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I recommended" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to express that you previously suggested or endorsed something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. It is appropriate for various contexts, from formal business settings to casual conversations. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context for your recommendation to enhance its impact. Alternative phrases include "I suggested", "I advised", and "I urged", each with slightly different connotations. Be mindful to use "that" after "I recommended" for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I suggested

Focuses on a simple suggestion without necessarily implying strong endorsement.

I advised

Implies a more formal and considered recommendation, often based on expertise.

I proposed

Suggests a more structured and potentially debated suggestion, often in a business or political context.

I endorsed

Indicates strong support and public approval of something.

I advocated

Implies active and public support for a particular cause or action.

I urged

Conveys a sense of importance or urgency in the recommendation.

I counselled

Suggests providing advice and guidance, often in a personal or professional setting.

I prescribed

Implies giving a specific course of action, often in a medical or technical context.

I steered towards

Suggests guiding someone indirectly towards a particular option.

I pointed out

Highlights a specific aspect or option for consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "I recommended" to convey that you suggested a course of action, a person, or an item. For instance, "I recommended the book", "I recommended her for the job", or "I recommended that they take a different route".

What's the difference between "I recommended" and "I suggested"?

While similar, "I recommended" often implies a stronger endorsement or belief in the quality or suitability of what was suggested. "I suggested" is a more neutral term. You can use alternatives like "I advised" or "I proposed" depending on context.

What are some alternative phrases to "I recommended"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I suggested", "I advised", "I proposed" or "I endorsed". The best choice depends on the level of confidence and the situation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I recommended him for the job"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can also say "I recommended him to the hiring manager" or "I recommended that he apply for the job". All of these variations are acceptable.