letter of commendation

USAGE SUMMARY

"letter of commendation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to a formal document used to praise someone, usually an employee, for a job well done. For example, "He received a letter of commendation from the supervisor for his excellent work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It read "Letter of Commendation".

The New Yorker

It turned out to be a letter of commendation.

The New Yorker

She has five chevrons on her stack and a letter of commendation from Sec. Forrestal.

The New Yorker

And last week the Federal Communications Commission sent him a letter of commendation.

The New York Times

A member of the Coding Board, Claire received a Letter of Commendation and Victory Medal WWII.

The New York Times

Liddy and Garcia received a letter of commendation from the commander of the N.Y.P.D.'s Thirteenth Precinct.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Caregiving Youth Project helped her get counseling, peers and letters of commendation from school and elected officials.

The New York Times

In some cases, Cardinal Law even wrote glowing letters of commendation for the priests after learning about their abuse of children.

The New York Times

Mr. Lennon insisted today that race was never the only reason for a stop, and he said he was describing the early days of the antidrug campaign, when zero tolerance for drugs was the watchword from the attorney general's office and newsworthy arrests brought letters of commendation from the police superintendent.

The New York Times

He was a local legend; by the time Mr. Brown retired in 1988, he had received more than 1,400 letters of commendation (and not a single complaint), and his retirement party was attended by hundreds of loyal passengers on the M101 route.

The New York Times

He was honored with ten Certificates or Letters of Commendation from the U.S. Armed Forces.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "letter of commendation", be specific about the actions or achievements you are recognizing. Detail the positive impact of the person's contributions and avoid vague praise.

Common error

Avoid using generic statements in a "letter of commendation". Always provide specific examples and evidence to support your praise, making the commendation more meaningful and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letter of commendation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a formal document recognizing and praising someone's achievements or service, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "letter of commendation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase signifying formal recognition and praise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in professional and formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, this phrase serves to acknowledge and encourage outstanding performance. For impactful use, ensure specificity in your commendation, detailing the achievements recognized. Alternatives like "letter of praise" or "certificate of commendation" can be considered based on context. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively employ "letter of commendation" to appreciate and motivate exceptional contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

letter of praise

Focuses on expressing approval or admiration in written form.

certificate of commendation

Emphasizes a formal document recognizing achievement.

official recognition letter

Highlights the formal aspect of the commendation from an authority.

formal letter of appreciation

Stresses gratitude and acknowledgement in a written format.

written acknowledgement of merit

Highlights written form that recognizes worth or value.

letter of recognition

Similar to "letter of commendation" but emphasizes recognition rather than explicit praise.

testimonial letter

A formal statement affirming someone's character or qualifications.

citation for excellence

Highlights outstanding quality or achievement, often in a formal setting.

award letter

Focuses on the awarding of something, usually in a written notification.

note of gratitude

Implies a less formal expression of thanks in written format.

FAQs

How do I write a "letter of commendation"?

A "letter of commendation" should be clear, concise, and specific. Begin by stating the purpose of the letter, detail the achievements or actions being recognized, and express your appreciation. End with a positive closing and your signature.

What's the difference between a "letter of commendation" and a "letter of recommendation"?

A "letter of commendation" is to praise or recognize someone's actions or achievements within an organization or specific situation. A "letter of recommendation" is to endorse someone's skills and qualifications for a new job or opportunity outside of their current role.

What are some alternatives to "letter of commendation"?

Alternatives include "letter of praise", "certificate of commendation", or "official recognition letter", depending on the specific context and formality required.

When is it appropriate to give a "letter of commendation"?

It's appropriate to give a "letter of commendation" when an individual has demonstrated exceptional performance, gone above and beyond expectations, or made a significant contribution to a project or organization.