be commended

USAGE SUMMARY

"be commended" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express approval or praise for someone's actions or achievements. Example: "Her dedication to the project should be commended." Alternative expressions include "be praised" and "be lauded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It should be commended".

Independent

He should be commended.

The New York Times

"You should be commended".

The New Yorker

This is to be commended.

Independent

Harington is to be commended.

The Guardian - Opinion

HRW should be commended for trying.

The Economist

For that it is to be commended.

The New York Times - Arts

But the defence, too, should be commended.

The Guardian - Sport

For that alone, Willstrop should be commended.

The Guardian - Sport

His altruism is also to be commended.

The Guardian

They are all to be commended".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary when expressing praise. While "be commended" is useful, using alternatives like "deserves recognition" or "should be applauded" can make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "be commended" in overly passive constructions where the actor is completely absent or unclear. Instead, strive for constructions that clearly identify who is giving the commendation and who is receiving it to provide more direct and impactful praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be commended" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving praise or approval. This aligns with Ludwig's finding that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be commended" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that is used to express praise or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "deserves recognition" or "should be applauded" to add variety to your writing. When using "be commended", ensure clarity by specifying who is giving and receiving the praise. Avoid overly passive constructions where the actor is absent or unclear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merits commendation

Highlights that something is deserving of official praise.

is praiseworthy

Highlights the quality of deserving praise or admiration.

is deserving of praise

Focuses on the quality of deserving admiration or approval.

should be applauded

Emphasizes enthusiastic approval and praise.

warrants praise

Highlights the justification for expressing approval.

deserves recognition

Focuses on the act of acknowledging merit or achievement.

should be honored

Emphasizes the act of bestowing respect and recognition.

is worthy of acclaim

Stresses the high level of recognition that is deserved.

should be celebrated

Suggests a joyous and public acknowledgment of success.

is admirable

Conveys a feeling of respect and approval.

FAQs

How can I use "be commended" in a sentence?

You can use "be commended" to express praise or approval for someone's actions or achievements. For example, "The team's efforts should "be commended" for their outstanding results".

What are some alternatives to "be commended"?

Some alternatives include "deserves recognition", "should be applauded", or "warrants praise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be commended" or "should be commended"?

Both "be commended" and "should be commended" are grammatically correct. "Should be commended" implies a recommendation or suggestion, while "be commended" states a more general deserving of praise. The best choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "be commended" and "give praise"?

"Be commended" is passive and indicates receiving praise, while "give praise" is active and indicates offering praise. For example, "The employee should "be commended" for their hard work" versus "The manager will "give praise" to the employee".