ask for recommendations from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for recommendations from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request suggestions or advice from someone, typically regarding a specific topic or area of interest. Example: "Before making a decision, it's wise to ask for recommendations from colleagues who have experience in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There are just too many stories of relying on friends or family to photograph or film a wedding followed by years of regret about the fuzzy, out-of-focus shots or no footage at all because the photographer got carried away doing something else... Ask for recommendations from friends who have married recently who they'd recommend.

WikiHow

Patients can also ask for recommendations from university dermatology clinics.

The New York Times - Health

Ask for recommendations from friends, classmates and teachers.

Stanford University

Ask for recommendations from friends who have had successful implants and from doctors you know and trust.

The New York Times - Health

Those with less time or patience for such discoveries can ask for recommendations from a regular at the Mathis Bar on Rue de Ponthieu (if you can get past the doorman).

The New York Times

And they can ask for recommendations from locals who will know the best spots.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

I highly recommend using your community's Facebook page to ask for recommendations for any services you may need, from doctors to accountants.

Huffington Post

So I asked for recommendations from a friend whose husband had a debilitating form of OCD.

The Washington Post

To be sure, social collaborative search, such as asking for recommendations from friends or seeing links they are sharing and discussing will continue to play this role, but the notion of using all of these signals to expand our informational horizons appears to be something Facebook is less interested in pursuing.

Forbes

In the proposed rulemaking issued on Nov. 26, the IRS asked for recommendations from the public on defining the amount of permissible political activity by these groups.

Huffington Post

If you don't have someone in mind, Howard Hook, a CPA and financial planner with EKS Associates in Princeton, N.J., suggests asking for recommendations from friends or colleagues -- provided their tax situation is similar to yours.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking recommendations, be specific about what you need. This helps people provide relevant and useful suggestions.

Common error

Avoid making broad requests for recommendations without specifying your needs. This can lead to generic or irrelevant suggestions. Instead of simply asking for recommendations, provide context about the purpose and criteria for the recommendation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for recommendations from" functions as a verb phrase used to request suggestions or endorsements from a person or group. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application across diverse scenarios, from finding wedding photographers to selecting financial advisors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for recommendations from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to request suggestions or advice from others. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use across various contexts, ranging from personal decisions to professional consultations. While maintaining a neutral tone, it's crucial to provide specific details when seeking recommendations to ensure the advice is relevant. Consider alternatives like "solicit recommendations from" for more formal situations. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for informed decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what do you recommend

A shorter direct alternative with the same request of recommending something.

solicit recommendations from

Uses a more formal verb, "solicit", suggesting a more structured or official request.

request advice from

Focuses on seeking general advice rather than specific recommendations.

seek suggestions from

Highlights the act of seeking suggestions, implying a need for creative ideas.

get referrals from

Emphasizes obtaining referrals, typically for services or professionals.

obtain feedback from

Shifts the focus to gathering feedback on a specific topic or work.

consult with

Implies a more in-depth discussion and exchange of ideas.

pick someone's brain

An informal way of asking for someone's expert knowledge on a subject.

can you advise me on

A direct question asking for someone's input on a specific matter.

where do you suggest

It focuses on asking for suggestions related to a place.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for recommendations from" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for recommendations from" when you need advice or suggestions from someone. For example: "Before choosing a restaurant, I always "ask for recommendations from" friends who have dined in the area."

What is a formal alternative to "ask for recommendations from"?

A more formal alternative is to "solicit recommendations from". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts where a more refined tone is appropriate.

When is it appropriate to "ask for recommendations from" someone?

It's appropriate to "ask for recommendations from" someone when you value their expertise or experience in a particular area and need their suggestions or guidance. It's also respectful to acknowledge their help.

What's the difference between "ask for recommendations from" and "ask for advice from"?

"Ask for recommendations from" implies you're seeking specific suggestions or endorsements, while "ask for advice from" suggests you're looking for general guidance or counsel.