commends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commends" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing approval or praise for someone or something. Example: "The committee commends the volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The piece is also in large measure a history of the evolution of the climate-change-sceptic movement, and the Columbia Journalism Review commends it as the kind of open engagement with an ongoing public debate that should serve as a model.

The Economist

He commends Richard II for its lessons in the distractions of perks.

The Economist

Instead, he counselled: "Interest yourself chiefly in the progress of your journey and do not look forward to its end with eagerness".His instructions for dealing with Africans are generally humane, though not (as the introduction delicately puts it) something "which commends itself to modern thinking".

The Economist

But they inadvertently laid the groundwork for hostility between non-whites.Kirk Dawes, a black former police officer who now runs a mediation service in Birmingham, commends the way in which the police and the council have purged overt racists from their ranks.

The Economist

"The Navigators" commends itself to Le Monde as a commentary on "l'interminable agonie de ce qui fut le système circulatoire du capitalisme anglais".

The Economist

In short, rather than demand any change to the foreign policy of the past seven years, Mr Podhoretz commends more of the same, but with more resolve.

The Economist

Although that commends them to some, it can also be a weakness if hardly a senseless one.

The Economist

Then maybe 20 years from now we can hold a formal free referendum in Tibet to decide its fate and satisfy the international standard for democracy.Lawrence RenGuangzhou, ChinaA bitter eraSIR – Ronald Holdaway (Letters, April 12th) commends Dick Cheney for trying "to shape public opinion rather than be shaped by it".

The Economist

However, anti-trade passions can be difficult to control, once unleashed.Clive Crook commends Mr Levy and then muses:The piece mentions recent and much-cited research by University of Chicago economists Christian Broda and John Romalis, suggesting that trade has disproportionately lowered the prices of goods that are important to poor Americans.

The Economist

He rightly commends Byzantium for preserving the ideals, and aesthetics, of classical antiquity at a time when Europe was subsiding into savagery.However, in this abridgment of his three-volume history, Lord Norwich appears to feel that such admiration speaks for itself.

The Economist

As a result, the whole is worth rather less than the sum of the parts.When Mr Fisk at last conducts his interview with Mr bin Laden on that bare Afghan mountain in 1997, the Saudi son of a billionaire, who later commends him as a rare western reporter who is "neutral", says: "Mr Robert, from this mountain upon which you are sitting, we broke the Russian army and we destroyed the Soviet Union.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commends", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality. For informal settings, consider alternatives like "praises" or "applauds".

Common error

Avoid using "commends" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or overly serious in relaxed settings. Opt for more approachable synonyms like "praises" or "gives kudos to" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commends" is that of a transitive verb used in the third-person singular present tense. Ludwig shows that it typically introduces a clause where someone or something is being praised or approved of. It reflects a positive judgment or endorsement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commends" is a grammatically correct and versatile verb used to express approval or admiration, as validated by Ludwig. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting its suitability for professional communication. While "commends" is deemed appropriate for various situations, it's best reserved for formal writing. For informal settings, consider alternatives such as "praises" or "applauds". Remember to use "commends" to formally acknowledge positive attributes or achievements, ensuring the context aligns with its formal tone. Ludwig confirms that it's a powerful tool for expressing appreciation in a structured and professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

praises

Expresses a similar sentiment of approval, but may carry a slightly stronger connotation of admiration.

lauds

Implies enthusiastic praise and is often used in more formal contexts.

applauds

Suggests strong approval, often in response to a specific achievement or action.

endorses

Indicates formal approval or support, often used in business or political contexts.

recommends

Suggests advising or suggesting something positively.

approves of

Indicates agreement with or a favorable opinion of something.

speaks highly of

Expresses a positive opinion or praise, focusing on the act of speaking well of someone or something.

gives accolades to

Highlights the act of bestowing honors or awards, implying significant recognition.

extols

Means to praise enthusiastically, often in a formal or literary context.

vouch for

Indicates strong support or assurance based on personal experience or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "commends" in a sentence?

You can use "commends" to express approval or admiration for someone or something. For example, "The review "commends" the actor's performance" or "The organization "commends" the volunteers for their dedication."

What are some alternatives to using "commends"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "praises", "applauds", "lauds", or "recommends". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

What is the difference between "commends" and "recommends"?

"Commends" is used to express approval or admiration, while "recommends" suggests advising or suggesting something positively. For instance, you "commend" someone for their hard work, but you "recommend" a good book.

Is "commends" suitable for both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "commends" is generally more appropriate for formal writing due to its serious and appreciative tone. In informal contexts, consider using more casual synonyms like "praises" or "applauds".