was a recommendation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a recommendation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a suggestion or advice that was given in the past. Example: "The report concluded that the best course of action was a recommendation to increase funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We did not ask participants who it was that recommended that they try SJW, so it is possible that it was a recommendation of their GP.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Buried in it was a recommendation to introduce free school meals for primary-school children.

The Guardian

Hunch was a recommendation technology company that was acquired by eBay in 2011.

The Guardian

The service was a recommendation of the royal commission into Aboriginal deaths in custody.

The Guardian

There was a recommendation to clarify that "recklessness" is the mental element required to commit the offence.

The Guardian - Opinion

What will definitely not be included, Deng said, was a recommendation on who would lead the interim government.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And it is a recommendation -- [a doctor] may or may not recommend that to patients".

Huffington Post

It's a recommendation.

The New York Times

That by itself is a recommendation.

The Economist

That is meant to be a recommendation.

The Guardian - Music

"This is a recommendation I'm making," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was a recommendation", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the recommendation and to whom it was directed.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating who made the recommendation. For instance, instead of "It was a recommendation", specify "The committee's main finding was a recommendation to increase funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a recommendation" functions as a predicative nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that identifies or describes it. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in reports, proposals, and general statements of advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was a recommendation" is a versatile expression used to convey that something served as a suggested course of action. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it is suitable for both formal and informal communication, more formal synonyms like "constituted a recommendation" may be preferred in academic or business settings. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, clarifying the source and context of the recommendation enhances its clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constituted a recommendation

This is a more formal and emphatic phrasing, suggesting that something definitively served as a recommendation.

served as a recommendation

Emphasizes the role of something acting as a recommendation.

amounted to a recommendation

Implies that the overall effect or outcome was equivalent to a recommendation.

was suggested

A more passive and less direct way of saying something was recommended.

was proposed as a solution

Focuses on the aspect of suggesting a solution rather than a general recommendation.

was advised

Indicates the receipt of advice or guidance.

was endorsed

Implies a stronger level of support or approval than a simple recommendation.

was the guidance given

Focuses on the act of providing guidance.

originated as a recommendation

Highlights the source or beginning of the recommendation.

stemmed from a suggestion

Similar to 'originated as', but emphasizes the origin as a more casual suggestion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was a recommendation" is used to indicate that something was suggested or advised. For example: "The key outcome of the study "was a recommendation" to improve safety protocols."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "was a recommendation"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "served as a recommendation", "constituted a recommendation", or "was suggested". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was a recommendation" in formal writing?

Yes, "was a recommendation" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing findings, proposals, or suggestions in reports, articles, and professional communications. However, consider more formal synonyms like "constituted a recommendation" for added emphasis.

What is the difference between "was a recommendation" and "was a suggestion"?

"Was a recommendation" typically implies a more formal or considered proposal than "was a suggestion". A recommendation often comes after careful evaluation or analysis, whereas a suggestion can be more informal or preliminary.