a recommendation by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recommendation by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a suggestion or endorsement made by someone, typically in formal or professional contexts. Example: "The project was approved based on a recommendation by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

network outside Taiwan, following a recommendation by an international committee in October.

The New York Times

The honours forfeiture committee has the final say, but a recommendation by MPs would carry weight.

The Guardian - Business

A recommendation by a brokerage firm helped send Travelodge International ahead 2 points.

The New York Times

The decision followed a recommendation by the Pentagon's Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

The New York Times

A recommendation by a three-member Review Panel shall be by majority vote.

Cornell University

UPD3: A recommendation by Ilya Ruvinsky on F1000: Neuro-Eco-Evo-Devo.

Yale University

The decision to defer granting an export licence followed a recommendation by a committee administered by Arts Council England.

The Guardian - Arts

Tory sources said Hague was simply giving MPs the chance to vote on a recommendation by the Commons procedure committee.

The Guardian

The Congress subsequently rejected the motion to draft such a law, citing a recommendation by the Health Ministry.

The New York Times

But there was an introduction (and therefore a recommendation) by John McGahern, so it got the first-page test.

The Guardian - Books

Creditors are due to vote next week on a recommendation by QN'S administrators, FTI Consulting, to wind up the company.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a recommendation by", clearly state the recommending party to ensure transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid burying the actor making the recommendation within a passive construction. Instead of "It was decided following a recommendation by the committee," opt for the more direct, "The committee's recommendation led to the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a recommendation by" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a prepositional complement. It specifies the source or origin of a recommendation, indicating who is making the suggestion or endorsement. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and common in use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a recommendation by" is a grammatically correct and very common way to attribute a suggestion or endorsement to a specific source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly identify the recommending party for credibility. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a suggestion from" or "an endorsement by" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a suggestion from

Replaces "recommendation" with a more general term, implying a less formal suggestion.

an endorsement by

Emphasizes a stronger support or approval than a simple recommendation.

on the advice of

Highlights the role of advice in making a decision.

as advised by

Similar to "on the advice of", but puts more emphasis on following the advice.

following the guidance of

Replaces recommendation with 'guidance', suggesting a more involved and ongoing process.

at the behest of

Implies a command or strong request rather than a suggestion.

with the approval of

Focuses on the approval aspect, suggesting a formal endorsement.

based on input from

Highlights that the recommendation is a form of input into a decision.

pursuant to the advice of

A more formal and legalistic way to indicate following advice.

under the auspices of

Suggests that the recommendation is made under the authority or support of someone.

FAQs

How can I use "a recommendation by" in a sentence?

Use "a recommendation by" to indicate that a decision or action is based on someone's suggestion. For example, "The project was approved following a recommendation by the board of directors."

What's a more formal alternative to "a recommendation by"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "on the advice of" or "pursuant to the advice of".

What can I say instead of "a recommendation by" in an email?

In an email, you could use "a suggestion from" or "an endorsement by" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "a suggestion by" and "a recommendation by"?

Yes, while both involve offering advice, "a recommendation by" usually implies a more formal and considered opinion, often from someone with expertise, whereas "a suggestion from" is more informal and casual.