wanted a recommendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wanted a recommendation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or request for a suggestion or endorsement, typically in a context where someone is seeking advice or support. Example: "After completing my project, I wanted a recommendation from my professor to help with my job applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He assumed she wanted a recommendation for a car dealer, but she was looking for a real estate agent.

The New York Times

Ethics officials concluded that if Whitaker wanted a recommendation, they'd suggest that he recuse himself from the investigation, "because it was their view that a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts likely would question the impartiality of the Acting Attorney General".

Vice

All three groups wanted something different out of the research findings: researchers were interested in the statistical significance of the findings and implications for further studies; policy-makers wanted a recommendation for policy-change; and program managers wanted to be able to supply the communities they served with acyclovir based on the observed disease burden.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Come Christmas, everybody wants a recommendation.

The New York Times

I told them I did not want a recommendation of another value-added reseller.

The New York Times

Be sure to make professional, not necessarily personal, connections with a professor from whom you want a recommendation.

The New York Times

If you want a recommendation about the all-dominating American novel, there is no shortage of American prizes.

The Guardian - Books

And while car-happy residents of other cities may consider a mile and a half a negligible distance, a New Yorker using Urbanspoon probably wants a recommendation within an easy walk.

The New York Times - Food

"They want a recommendation from someone they trust".

TechCrunch

I didn't realize that editorial endorsements could be issued a la carte... So, in that case, if you want a recommendation from us here at VICE Canada, here it is: the Liberals run the office Monday-Friday, but the Conservatives get every other Tuesday.

Vice

Most British adults want full information on risks and benefits of screening but they also want a recommendation from an authoritative source.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a recommendation, provide context and specific details about what you need it for. This helps the person providing the recommendation tailor their response effectively.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any recommendation will suffice. Tailor your request to individuals who possess relevant expertise or experience related to the subject matter. A generic recommendation is often less impactful than one from a credible source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wanted a recommendation" functions as a verb phrase expressing a past desire or need for a suggestion or endorsement. Ludwig AI explains that is correct in written english. Example: "Ethics officials concluded that if Whitaker wanted a recommendation, they'd suggest that he recuse himself from the investigation"

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wanted a recommendation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past desire for advice or endorsement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing across various contexts like news, science, and general knowledge. When using this phrase, be specific about the type of recommendation you seek and from whom. Alternatives include "desired a suggestion" or "needed an endorsement", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desired a suggestion

Replaces "recommendation" with "suggestion" and "wanted" with "desired", changing the tone slightly.

required a recommendation

Uses "required" instead of "wanted" to indicate a stronger need for a recommendation.

needed an endorsement

Substitutes "recommendation" with "endorsement" and "wanted" with "needed", focusing on a formal type of support.

was interested in a recommendation

Uses "was interested in" instead of "wanted" to soften the request.

sought advice

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression conveying the act of asking for guidance.

asked for a suggestion

Replaces "wanted" with "asked for", making it a direct request.

wished for a recommendation

Replaces "wanted" with "wished for", adding a touch of formality or longing.

was looking for a referral

Focuses on seeking a specific type of recommendation, typically for a service or job.

expressed a need for guidance

Formal phrasing indicating the desire for direction or advice.

craved a recommendation

Uses "craved" instead of "wanted" to emphasize a strong desire.

FAQs

How can I properly ask for a recommendation?

Be clear about your goals and provide context. For example, state "I "wanted a recommendation" for a software engineering role, highlighting my project at the company".

What's a good alternative to "I wanted a recommendation?"

Depending on the context, consider options such as "I "sought a referral"", "I "needed an endorsement"", or simply "I "asked for advice"".

Is it appropriate to ask for a recommendation via email?

Yes, especially if you have a pre-existing relationship with the person. Personalize the email, reminding them of your connection and clearly stating why you "wanted a recommendation" from them.

What information should I provide when asking for a recommendation?

Provide a resume or CV, a brief description of the opportunity you're pursuing, and any specific points you'd like them to highlight in their recommendation. The more information you give, the better they can tailor their response to your needs, so that you will get closer to what you "wanted a recommendation".