recommending that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recommending that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest or advise a course of action or decision. Example: "The committee is recommending that we implement the new policy starting next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Qatari government has already issued new guidelines recommending that milk be boiled before consumption.

Science Magazine

"Recommending that voters return a Conservative minority is nonsensical.

Vice

(I'm not recommending that; I'm just saying).

The New York Times

No selling while recommending that investors buy.

The New York Times

Prosecutors are recommending that she receives drug treatment.

Independent

— Sarah Palin, recommending that Obama's campaign replace Joe Biden.

The New Yorker

But it stopped short of recommending that everyone be vaccinated.

The New York Times

Bernie is recommending that we go and race there.

The Guardian - Sport

Veterinarians are also recommending that mares be fed hay.

The New York Times - Sports

He is not recommending that everyone abandon short-game clinics.

The New York Times - Sports

The NCS board then reversed course, recommending that the NCS shareholders vote against the Genesis merger.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "recommending that" with a specific and actionable suggestion. Avoid vague or general statements.

Common error

Avoid using conditional tenses (would, could, should) after "recommending that" when stating a direct recommendation. Use the base form of the verb instead. Example: "The doctor is recommending that she see a specialist" (correct) vs. "The doctor is recommending that she should see a specialist" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recommending that" functions as a transitive verb introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a suggestion or piece of advice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recommending that" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a suggestion or piece of advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is used across various contexts, from formal academic writing to neutral news reports. While alternatives like "advising that" or "suggesting that" exist, "recommending that" conveys a specific directive. Remember to use the base form of the verb after 'that' to maintain grammatical precision. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, highlighting its wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advising that

Focuses on giving advice or counsel, often implying expertise.

suggesting that

Implies a less forceful recommendation, offering an idea for consideration.

proposing that

Suggests putting forward an idea or plan for consideration or action.

urging that

Conveys a strong and insistent request or recommendation.

advocating that

Implies public support and promotion of a particular cause or action.

counseling that

Offers guidance and support, often in a professional or advisory role.

stating that one should

Recommends a course of action with an impersonal approach.

indicating that

Suggests something indirectly, implying a recommendation through implication.

opining that

Expresses a personal opinion that can be interpreted as a recommendation.

putting forward that

Presents an idea for consideration, less direct than a recommendation.

FAQs

How do I use "recommending that" in a sentence?

Use "recommending that" to introduce a suggestion or advice, ensuring the sentence clearly indicates who is making the recommendation and what they are advising. For example, "The committee is recommending that we implement the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "recommending that"?

You can use alternatives like "advising that", "suggesting that", or "proposing that", depending on the context and the strength of the suggestion.

Is it correct to say "recommending that someone should do something"?

While common, it's more grammatically precise to omit "should" after "recommending that". Use the base form of the verb. For example, "I'm recommending that he apply for the scholarship" is preferable to "I'm recommending that he should apply for the scholarship".

What's the difference between "recommending that" and "suggesting that"?

"Recommending that" implies a stronger endorsement or advice based on expertise or authority, whereas "suggesting that" is a gentler way to offer an idea for consideration. Both are correct and usable.