simply a recommendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply a recommendation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is not mandatory but suggested. Example: "While following the guidelines is important, remember that this is simply a recommendation and not a strict rule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is not simply a recommendation or a cultural affectation of the ancient world: it is a core commitment of the God whom the Bible claims to depict.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can take photos of the locations or items or simply add a recommendation on the fly.

TechCrunch

Senators can also withhold a recommendation simply by not returning a blue slip, and they are not obligated to explain why.

The New York Times

"For the longest time, we've all been saying to each other that there is simply nothing better than a recommendation from someone you truly trust.

TechCrunch

It is not clear from the manuscripts themselves whether the priorities identified through the MCDA process became official policy, rather than simply a set of recommendations.

BMC Health Services Research

We asked our advisers -- BlackRock, Morgan Stanley and Ernst & Young -- to provide options for our consideration, but the fact that options were provided simply cannot be interpreted as a recommendation that we should or could force concessions.

The New York Times

If only one or a few judgements strongly favoured a recommendation, it was classed simply as a 'recommendation'recommendation

BMJ Open

There is, of course, no way of telling whether the recommendation is sincere or simply a blandishment to assure buyers that the firm will continue to create demand for the stock.

Forbes

When examining the association of bias variables and peer review outcomes without controlling quality it is impossible to establish unambiguously whether a particular group of papers receives more favorable recommendations or decisions due to these variables, or if the more favorable recommendations and decisions are simply a consequence of the papers' scientific quality.

F1000Research

He has a recommendation.

The New York Times

It's a recommendation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simply a recommendation", follow it with a brief explanation of the reasoning behind the suggestion to increase its persuasive impact.

Common error

Avoid presenting "simply a recommendation" as a mandatory instruction. This can mislead individuals into thinking they have no choice, undermining their autonomy and potentially leading to resentment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply a recommendation" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a suggestion or piece of advice is not mandatory but rather an option to consider. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simply a recommendation" is grammatically correct and used to indicate that a suggestion is not mandatory. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, although it appears more frequently in news and media and scientific domains. It's important to ensure that when using "simply a recommendation", it is not presented as an obligation to avoid misleading the audience. Using alternatives like "merely a suggestion" or "just a proposal" can provide similar meaning with subtle differences in tone. Overall, this phrase is a useful tool for offering advice without imposing a requirement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a suggestion

Replaces "recommendation" with "suggestion", emphasizing a lighter level of advice.

only a suggestion

Similar to "merely a suggestion", this underscores the non-compulsory nature.

a mere suggestion

Emphasizes the insignificance of the recommendation.

just a proposal

Substitutes "recommendation" with "proposal", implying a preliminary idea put forth for consideration.

purely advisory

Uses "advisory" to denote that something is for advice only, without any binding obligation.

nothing more than a suggestion

Explicitly states that something is only a suggestion and not anything stronger.

just a pointer

Replaces "recommendation" with "pointer", indicating a helpful hint or direction.

a non-binding suggestion

Clearly indicates that the suggestion doesn't have any legal or formal obligation.

optional advice

Highlights that the advice is not mandatory.

a helpful tip

Replaces recommendation with a less formal 'tip'.

FAQs

How can I use "simply a recommendation" in a sentence?

You can use "simply a recommendation" to indicate that something is suggested but not obligatory. For example: "While following these guidelines is helpful, remember that it's "simply a recommendation" and not a strict rule."

What are some alternatives to "simply a recommendation"?

You can use alternatives like "merely a suggestion", "just a proposal", or "only a suggestion" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "simply a recommendation" or "just a recommendation"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""simply a recommendation"" may imply a more formal tone, whereas "just a recommendation" can sound more casual.

What's the difference between "simply a recommendation" and "guideline"?

A guideline often implies a standard practice or suggested method, while ""simply a recommendation"" is more of a casual suggestion without the weight of being a standard practice.