recommend against

USAGE SUMMARY

"recommend against" can be used in written English.
The phrase means to advise that someone should not do something. Example: The doctor recommended against eating sweets due to the patient's diabetes.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The state would reluctantly recommend against the adoption, and the judge would overrule the recommendation.

Los Angeles Times

I recommend against it.

The New York Times - Travel

PROFESSIONAL negotiators recommend against making empty threats.

The Economist

I recommend against straining while reading.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, I recommend against using them.

University of California, Berkeley

Normally, I would recommend against this.

The Guardian - Tech

We recommend against holding your breath.

The Washington Post

We recommend against relying solely upon those fields.

Stanford University

It voted unanimously to recommend against the mine.

The New York Times - Science

But the judge said he would recommend against that.

The New York Times

Economists usually recommend against taxing capital, for several reasons.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, be aware that direct negative recommendations can sometimes be perceived as overly assertive. Consider softening the tone with phrases like "it is generally advisable to avoid".

Common error

While "recommend against" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid using it in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "I wouldn't do that" or "I don't think that's a good idea" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recommend against" functions as a directive, specifically used to advise or suggest that a particular action should be avoided. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase clearly conveys a negative recommendation based on informed judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recommend against" is a directive phrase used to advise against a particular action. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in formal and professional contexts. While synonyms like "advise against" or "discourage" exist, "recommend against" carries a tone of informed judgment. Usage analysis reveals its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources. While it's a valuable tool for formal writing, it's best to use less formal alternatives in casual settings. Remember to avoid overuse and to always consider your audience and context when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advise against

Replaces "recommend" with "advise", a direct synonym, maintaining the same negative connotation.

do not advise

Directly negates the action of advising, making the disapproval clear.

discourage

Uses a single verb to express the act of deterring someone from a specific action.

suggest refraining from

Offers a more polite or indirect way of advising against something, emphasizing avoidance.

counsel against

Implies providing professional or expert advice to deter someone from a course of action.

caution against

Emphasizes potential dangers or negative consequences, adding a warning element.

warn against

Highlights potential risks or negative outcomes associated with a particular action.

dissuade from

Focuses on actively persuading someone not to do something.

express disapproval of

Explicitly states a negative opinion or lack of support for an action.

advocate for avoiding

Promotes the idea of staying away from something, suggesting a proactive stance.

FAQs

What does "recommend against" mean?

The phrase "recommend against" means to advise or suggest that something should not be done. It indicates disapproval or a belief that a particular action is not advisable. You could "advise against", "caution against" or "warn against" instead.

When is it appropriate to use "recommend against" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal contexts, such as professional reports, academic papers, or official correspondence, where you need to convey a well-considered opinion that a certain course of action is not advisable. You can also "suggest refraining from" or "counsel against" instead.

Are there any synonyms for "recommend against" that are less formal?

Yes, less formal alternatives include "don't advise", "dissuade from", or "suggest avoiding". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and audience of your writing. You can also "express disapproval of" or "advocate for avoiding".

How can I use "recommend against" in a sentence?

You can use "recommend against" by following this pattern: Subject + "recommend against" + gerund (verb + -ing) or noun phrase. For example: "The doctor recommends against smoking", or "Experts recommend against investing all your funds in one stock".