to commend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to commend" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing approval or praise for someone or something. Example: "I would like to commend her for her outstanding performance." Alternative expressions include "to praise" and "to applaud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a lot to commend.

The Washington Post

This tournament has much to commend it.

The Guardian - Sport

It thus has much to commend it.

Nature

Her policies have much to commend them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Nothing to commend it at all.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, many found much to commend.

The New York Times

That has much to commend it, in a fallen world.

Independent

I want to commend him on achieving his goal.

Independent

But beyond that, price controls have "little to commend them".

The Economist

Her followers were quick to commend her honesty.

Independent

SPRING cleaning has a lot to commend it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to commend" when you want to formally express approval or admiration for someone's actions or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "to commend" in casual conversations. Opt for more informal alternatives like "to praise" or "to give kudos" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to commend" functions as an infinitive used to express approval, praise, or formal recognition. As exemplified by Ludwig, it is often used to formally acknowledge positive attributes or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to commend" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that conveys formal praise or approval. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears most often in News & Media sources, followed by scientific and business contexts. It's best used in professional or formal settings when you want to publicly and deliberately recognize someone's positive actions or qualities. While versatile, remember to avoid overusing it in casual conversations, opting instead for more informal alternatives. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication across different settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to praise

Focuses specifically on expressing admiration or approval.

to applaud

Implies strong approval and public acknowledgment.

to recommend

Suggests something as suitable or worthy of approval.

to endorse

Formally approves or supports.

to laud

Expresses praise, often in a public context.

to compliment

Offers a polite expression of praise or admiration.

to acknowledge

Recognizes and expresses appreciation for something.

to congratulate

Expresses pleasure at someone's success or good fortune.

to approve of

Indicates a favorable opinion or judgment.

to think highly of

Expresses a very positive opinion.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "to commend" in a sentence?

Use "to commend" followed by the person or thing you are praising and then, if necessary, specify the reason for your praise. For example, "I want "to commend" the team for their hard work".

What can I say instead of "to commend"?

You can use alternatives like "to praise", "to applaud", or "to recommend" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "to commend" rather than "to praise"?

Yes, "to commend" is generally more formal than "to praise". Use "to commend" in official or formal contexts, while "to praise" is suitable for both formal and informal settings.

What is the difference between "to commend" and "to recommend"?

"To commend" is to express approval or admiration, while "to recommend" is to suggest something as suitable or worthy. You commend someone for their actions, and you recommend something for its qualities or benefits.