I was recommended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was recommended" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in professional or formal settings, such as in a job application or a letter of recommendation. Example: "I was recommended for the position of marketing manager by my previous supervisor. She highlighted my strong communication skills and strategic thinking abilities as key strengths in her recommendation letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I was recommended to port and polish the intake and exhaust.

The New York Times

After many uninspiring visits to various shops I was recommended to an independent company who hand-make wooden frames.

The Guardian - Money

A few weeks ago I was recommended an application called Rare Black Wallpapers as a way of saving battery power.

MIT Technology Review

This month, I was recommended for admission to a Ph.D. in education program at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

Harvard University

In the fall of 1996, I was recommended for a community-theater review of "West Side Story".

The New York Times - Magazine

"After the oral approach failed, I was recommended to go onto I.V. treatment, but I had had enough".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Completion of Algebra I is recommended, though not required.

Johns Hopkins University

A. What I am recommending is a mix of names.

The New York Times

I am recommending everything else that's still playing, too.

The New York Times

And that's really what I'm recommending.

The Guardian - Travel

I am recommending clients to move out of the fund".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was recommended", clearly state who made the recommendation if possible to add credibility and context. For example, "I was recommended by Professor Smith to apply for this grant".

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "I was recommended" as it can make your writing sound less direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing as "Professor Smith recommended me" for a more active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was recommended" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject (I) received a suggestion or endorsement from an external source. As per Ludwig, this construction is considered grammatically correct and is frequently observed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was recommended" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of indicating that the speaker received a suggestion or referral, often justifying a subsequent action. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news, media, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Remember to provide context by specifying the source of the recommendation for added credibility and avoid overuse to maintain a direct and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was referred

Implies a more formal or official channeling of the recommendation.

I received a recommendation for

Highlights the act of receiving the recommendation more directly.

I was given a referral

Similar to "I was referred", emphasizes the act of giving the referral.

Someone suggested I

Emphasizes the suggestion made by an unspecified person.

I came highly recommended

Focuses on the strength of the recommendation itself.

I was pointed towards

Implies direction or guidance towards something specific.

It was advised that I

Shifts the focus to the advice received, rather than the recommendation.

I was encouraged to

Indicates a level of persuasion or motivation behind the recommendation.

I had a suggestion to

Highlights the existence of a suggestion directed towards the speaker.

I was prompted to

Suggests an external stimulus or cue leading to the recommendation.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was recommended" to indicate that someone suggested something to you. For example, "I was recommended this book by a friend", or "I was recommended to see a specialist".

What is a good alternative to "I was recommended"?

Alternatives include "I was referred", "someone suggested I", or "I received a recommendation for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I was recommended" or "Someone recommended me"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "Someone recommended me" is more direct and uses active voice, which is often preferred. "I was recommended" is passive and can be useful when the source of the recommendation is less important or unknown.

What's the difference between "I was recommended" and "I was advised"?

"I was recommended" implies someone suggested something specific, like a person or product. "I was advised" is broader and suggests general guidance or a course of action.