letters of commendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letters of commendation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to written endorsements or recommendations that praise someone's abilities or achievements, often in a professional context. Example: "She presented her letters of commendation from previous employers during the job interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 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

For his work on the Manhattan Project, Bainbridge received two letters of commendation from the project's director, Major General Leslie R. Groves, Jr.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It read "Letter of Commendation".

The New Yorker

It turned out to be a letter of commendation.

The New Yorker

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

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

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "letters of commendation" to formally acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of individuals or teams, boosting morale and encouraging continued excellence.

Common error

Avoid using "letters of commendation" for minor or routine tasks. Reserve them for significant accomplishments to preserve their impact and value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letters of commendation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to a collection of formal documents that express praise or recognition for someone's achievements or service. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "letters of commendation" is a noun phrase used to describe formal documents that recognize and praise individuals or groups for their achievements. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in news, wiki, and professional contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-understood and carries a formal tone. When writing, ensure you use this phrase to accurately convey official recognition and significant accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commendation letters

A simple reversal of the phrase, maintaining the same meaning.

letters of recommendation

Focuses on endorsing someone's qualifications or character, often for job applications or academic admissions.

letters of appreciation

Highlights gratitude for someone's actions or contributions.

letters of recognition

Emphasizes acknowledging someone's achievements or service.

letters of praise

Directly conveys admiration and approval for someone's conduct or work.

official accolades

Refers to formal awards or honors, including written forms of recognition.

formal endorsements

Highlights the official support or approval conveyed in writing.

written testimonials

Focuses on personal accounts that vouch for someone's qualities or performance.

certificates of merit

Describes formal documents that acknowledge exceptional achievement.

citations of honor

Refers to official acknowledgements of exemplary behavior or service.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "letters of commendation"?

The purpose of "letters of commendation" is to formally recognize and praise individuals or groups for their outstanding achievements, dedication, or service. They serve as official acknowledgments and can be valuable for career advancement or personal satisfaction.

What are some alternatives to "letters of commendation"?

You can use alternatives like "letters of recommendation", "letters of appreciation", or "letters of recognition" depending on the specific context.

Who typically issues "letters of commendation"?

"Letters of commendation" are typically issued by supervisors, managers, commanding officers, or other authority figures who have direct knowledge of the individual's or group's accomplishments. They often come from organizations, institutions, or government entities.

How can "letters of commendation" benefit the recipient?

"Letters of commendation" can enhance the recipient's professional reputation, improve their chances of promotion or career advancement, and provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. They can also be included in resumes or portfolios to showcase their skills and achievements.