a formal recommendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal recommendation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a course of action or endorsing someone or something in a professional or official context. Example: "After careful consideration, I am pleased to provide a formal recommendation for Jane's application to the graduate program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

He has not yet made a formal recommendation.

The New York Times

That was one vote short of the number needed to make a formal recommendation to Congress.

The New York Times

The pardon attorney's office has responsibility for developing a formal recommendation to the president.

The New York Times

Sorry.' " To make a formal recommendation, commission leaders needed 11 votes.

The New York Times

The committee would then make a formal recommendation to the I.R.B.

The New Yorker

The vote was an expression of sentiment, not a formal recommendation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A detailed feasibility study before any formal recommendation for Rhos Street School, Ysgol Borthyn, Ysgol Penbarras and Ysgol Rhewl.

BBC

There is no formal recommendation for a daily amount of water people need.

The New York Times

It levied several charges against the President and called for a nine-member committee to investigate his behavior, with the expectation of a formal impeachment recommendation.

Wikipedia

In Brazil, there is no formal recommendation about the visiting policy in an ICU, and each institution is allowed to decide its own individual visitation strategy.

Annals of Intensive Care

(At most companies, compensation committees ask the C.E.O. to make this kind of formal recommendation about his or her own bonus and the bonuses of other senior executives).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal recommendation" when referring to an official or documented suggestion, especially within professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language when presenting "a formal recommendation". Clarity and conciseness are key to ensuring your recommendation is easily understood and acted upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal recommendation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., make, submit, provide) or as a complement within a sentence. It denotes a structured and official suggestion or endorsement, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal recommendation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes an official suggestion or endorsement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, indicating its use in professional and authoritative settings. When using this phrase, ensure it is supported by evidence and clearly articulates the rationale. Alternatives such as "an official endorsement" or "a formal proposal" can be considered depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official endorsement

Emphasizes the official nature of the support or approval.

a written recommendation

Highlights the documented form of the recommendation.

a formal proposal

Focuses on the structured suggestion being put forward.

a formal opinion

Highlights the carefully considered view being offered.

an official suggestion

Underscores the authoritative nature of the suggestion.

a formal assessment

Stresses the evaluation aspect leading to the recommendation.

a documented suggestion

Highlights the documented nature of the suggestion

a sanctioned recommendation

Emphasizes the authorized or approved nature of the recommendation.

a structured recommendation

Focuses on the organized and systematic nature of the recommendation.

a formal submission

Highlights the act of formally presenting the recommendation.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "a formal recommendation" in a sentence?

Use "a formal recommendation" when you want to express an official suggestion or endorsement, such as, "The committee will issue "a formal recommendation" to the board."

What's the difference between "a formal recommendation" and "an informal suggestion"?

"A formal recommendation" implies an official, documented suggestion, often made by an authority, while "an informal suggestion" is a casual, unofficial proposal.

What are some alternatives to saying "a formal recommendation"?

You can use phrases like "an official endorsement", "a formal proposal", or "an official suggestion" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a formal recommendation"?

It's appropriate to use "a formal recommendation" in official settings, such as when presenting a proposal to a board, submitting a report, or endorsing someone's application.