be commended for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be commended for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging someone's achievements or positive actions that deserve praise or recognition. Example: "She should be commended for her outstanding contributions to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HRW should be commended for trying.

The Economist

Best Buy should be commended for its actions.

The New York Times

He is to be commended for it.

The New York Times

The senator can be commended for his efforts.

The New York Times

Mr. Bloomberg is to be commended for his philanthropy.

The New York Times

Mr. Mills is to be commended for this new policy.

The New York Times

Chelsea have to be commended for their spirit of togetherness.

The Guardian - Sport

The BBC should be commended for making it.

Independent

President Obama should be commended for breaking with this anachronism.

The New York Times

And Steele must be commended for his tremendous sensitivity.

Independent

He surely deserves to be commended for his intellectual bravery.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be commended for" to formally acknowledge and praise specific actions or achievements. It's suitable for reports, articles, and professional communications.

Common error

Avoid using "be commended for" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "good job" or "well done" for everyday praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be commended for" functions as a formal verb phrase used to express approval and praise for someone's actions or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be commended for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing formal approval and praise. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears most commonly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While appropriate for professional and official communications, simpler alternatives are better suited for casual conversations. Remember to reserve its use for scenarios where formally recognizing a significant achievement or contribution is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be praised for

Emphasizes direct approval or admiration.

be lauded for

Suggests formal and emphatic praise.

be applauded for

Implies public and enthusiastic approval.

be recognized for

Focuses on the act of acknowledging someone's achievements.

be appreciated for

Highlights gratitude and thankfulness for the action.

be congratulated for

Emphasizes offering congratulations for an accomplishment.

be acknowledged for

Stresses the act of recognizing or admitting the importance of something.

be admired for

Implies deep respect and approval.

be valued for

Focuses on the worth or importance placed on someone's actions.

be celebrated for

Suggests a joyous public expression of approval.

FAQs

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

You can use "be commended for" to formally recognize someone's achievements or positive actions. For example, "The team should "be commended for" their hard work on the project".

What's a good alternative to "be commended for"?

Alternatives to "be commended for" include "be praised for", "be lauded for", or "be recognized for". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "be commended for" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "be commended for" is more suited to formal or professional settings. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "good job" or "well done" are generally more appropriate.

What is the difference between "be commended for" and "be congratulated for"?

"Be commended for" generally acknowledges a praiseworthy action or effort, whereas "be congratulated for" is typically used to express pleasure and offer congratulations for a specific achievement or success.