letter of recommendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letter of recommendation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a formal document written by someone who knows a person well and is able to speak positively about their qualities, skills, and achievements. Letters of recommendation are typically used for job or college applications. Example: "I asked my previous supervisor to write me a letter of recommendation to include in my job application for the management position. She highlighted my strong leadership skills and excellent work ethic in the letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Biden had written a letter of recommendation).

The New Yorker

General McChrystal wrote a letter of recommendation.

The New York Times - Magazine

One letter of recommendation.

Cornell University

Note accompanying letter of recommendation.

Harvard University

Or a garden-variety letter of recommendation?

The New York Times - Magazine

NY/P requires one letter of recommendation.

Columbia University

(McGovern wrote him a letter of recommendation for graduate school).

The New Yorker

Douglas had written Nicole a letter of recommendation for Princeton.

The New Yorker

A letter of recommendation for Kyle Martino from David Beckham.

The New York Times - Sports

a) Find the letter of recommendation in your top drawer.

The New Yorker

A letter of recommendation for Kyle Martino from Thierry Henry.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a "letter of recommendation", provide the writer with ample time and relevant information about your accomplishments and the specific requirements of the application.

Common error

Don't assume a generic "letter of recommendation" will be effective. Tailor each request to the specific opportunity and provide the recommender with details about what aspects of your experience and skills to highlight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letter of recommendation" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of document. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a formal document used to evaluate someone's fitness for a position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

45%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "letter of recommendation" is a common and grammatically correct term referring to a formal document assessing a person's skills and qualifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in academic, professional, and general contexts. Related terms include "recommendation letter" and "letter of reference". When requesting or writing such a letter, it's essential to tailor it to the specific purpose. It is most frequently found within academic settings and in news articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recommendation letter

Inversion of the words while keeping the same meaning.

reference letter

Replaces "recommendation" with "reference", indicating a similar document.

letter of reference

Substitutes "recommendation" with "reference", a common synonym.

letter of endorsement

Substitutes "recommendation" with "endorsement", highlighting the supportive nature of the letter.

letter of support

Replaces "recommendation" with "support", emphasizing the backing provided by the letter.

testimonial letter

Replaces "recommendation" with "testimonial", focusing on the personal experience shared.

supporting statement

Uses a broader term, "supporting statement", to describe the document's function.

professional reference

Highlights the professional aspect of the recommendation, focusing on work-related qualities.

letter attesting to qualifications

More formal and descriptive, highlighting the letter's purpose to verify someone's skills.

character reference

Focuses specifically on the person's character traits rather than skills.

FAQs

How do you request a "letter of recommendation"?

Approach someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and experience. Provide them with your resume, a personal statement, and details about the position or program you're applying for.

What should be included in a "letter of recommendation"?

A strong "letter of recommendation" should include specific examples of the candidate's skills, qualities, and achievements, as well as an overall assessment of their potential.

Who should I ask for a "letter of recommendation"?

Ask someone who knows your work well and can speak to your qualifications, such as a former professor, supervisor, or mentor. Choose someone who can provide a detailed and positive assessment.

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

The terms are often used interchangeably. However, a "letter of recommendation" might be seen as more proactive and tailored to a specific opportunity, while a "letter of reference" can be a more general endorsement of someone's skills and character.