commendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commendation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to praise or recognition given to someone for their achievements or good work. Example: "The employee received a commendation for her outstanding performance during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Awards 2007 What The Papers Say Awards, December 2007 David Leigh and Rob Evans have won a special commendation at the 2007 UK Press Awards for their teamwork, after writing a series of groundbreaking exposures of the corruption allegations against BAE.

The Guardian

Zuley got an official commendation for the Rondeau case.

The Guardian

Hsiao-Hung Pai received a commendation for her No Place Like Home report on the abuse of migrant domestic workers.

The Guardian

It emerged that Nelis had received her bravery commendation after overpowering a man armed with a hammer while trapped in a lift with him.

The Guardian

A thousand years of history is commendation enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Brown received a commendation from the judge, £25,000 from Abbey National and an invitation to rejoin the bank.

The Economist

Kiribati seems to have had a quiet year.But the accomplishments that most deserve commendation, we think, are path-breaking reforms that do not merely improve a single nation but, if emulated, might benefit the world.

The Economist

He received numerous awards from his peers and a presidential commendation from Ronald Reagan.

The Economist

WHEN Natalie Wraga turned 100 last year the local council for Leesburg, Virginia, sent her a certificate of "congratulations and commendation" for her work as an adviser on Soviet affairs to the United States government.

The Economist

He believed in keeping up morale with copious medals and commendations (his commendation of Charlie Company, after its infamous torching and massacre of the village of My Lai, being an unfortunate mistake).

The Economist

IN THE aftermath of heated presidential, congressional and local elections on May 10th, the Philippines basked in the glow of international commendation of its use of computer technology to produce, for the first time, seemingly indisputable results.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commendation" when you want to express formal or official praise for someone's achievement or service. It implies a higher degree of recognition than simple praise.

Common error

Avoid using "commendation" when a simple expression of praise is sufficient. "Commendation" suggests a formal or official acknowledgment, not just casual approval.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commendation" is as a noun. It typically refers to the act of praising or the state of being praised, often in a formal or official context. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage in various example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commendation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun signifying formal praise or recognition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is often found in news, encyclopedias, and business contexts, implying a neutral to formal register. Related terms include "praise", "accolade", and "formal recognition". When using "commendation", it's best to reserve it for situations where you want to express official approval for significant achievements, avoiding its use in casual contexts. Common mistakes include confusing it with simple praise or compliments. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples underscores its proper and varied usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accolade

A formal award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.

official acknowledgment

Emphasizes the formal act of recognizing and appreciating someone's efforts.

formal recognition

Highlights the official acknowledgement of someone's achievement or service.

expression of praise

This phrase focuses on the act of verbally expressing approval or admiration.

act of approval

This alternative emphasizes the official or formal aspect of giving approval.

word of praise

Highlights the verbal aspect of offering approval.

letter of appreciation

Suggests a written expression of gratitude and recognition.

positive feedback

Focuses on providing constructive and encouraging comments.

note of gratitude

Implies a brief and heartfelt expression of thankfulness.

pat on the back

An idiomatic expression for acknowledging good work or effort.

FAQs

How to use "commendation" in a sentence?

You can use "commendation" to describe the act of praising someone, the reason for praise, or a formal award. For example, "She received a "letter of commendation" for her bravery."

What can I say instead of "commendation"?

You can use alternatives like "praise", "accolade", "recognition", or "approval" depending on the context.

Is "commendation" a formal word?

Yes, "commendation" is a relatively formal word that implies official or significant praise. It's often used in professional, academic, or official contexts.

What's the difference between "commendation" and "compliment"?

"Commendation" suggests formal and often public recognition of achievement or service, while "compliment" is a polite expression of praise or admiration. A "letter of commendation" carries more weight than a simple "compliment".