was commended for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was commended for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone received praise or recognition for a specific action or achievement. Example: "She was commended for her outstanding performance during the project presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1970, Connie was commended for "21 years' loyal service" to the company.

The Guardian - Business

The film, which featured Elwes as the father, was commended for its honest portrayal of addiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Branagh's Henry was less glorious than gritty, and he was commended for the psychological depth he brought to the role.

Independent

Her novel was commended for combining fiction with facts about a social issue while keeping readers captivated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yaël was commended for the transitions between the acts, which in traditional productions would be called scene changes.

The Guardian

The school was commended for its health and careers magnet program, library services and "willingness to engage students".

The New York Times

Like the UK, the US was commended for its high level of business sophistication, university system and innovative tech sector.

The Guardian - Business

The Metropolitan Police subsequently apologised to the peer's widow, and DCI Settle was commended for his approach to the case by the Home Affairs Select Committee.

Independent

Another runner-up called Parkscope was commended for its use of mobile-phone technology to turn boring parked cars into something more visually appealing.

Independent

So the award was retired after Hermes Pan was commended for his work with Fred Astaire on the Fun House routine in A Damsel in Distress.

The Guardian - Film

At the time, Mr. Seaman, a volunteer firefighter for a year and a half, was commended for being the first to arrive on the scene.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was commended for" to highlight specific achievements or actions that have been formally recognized or praised. This phrase adds a tone of authority and respect to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was commended for" in casual or informal settings where simpler phrases like "was praised for" or "was appreciated for" might be more appropriate. The formality of "was commended for" can feel out of place in everyday conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was commended for" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received praise or recognition for a specific action or quality. Ludwig shows that it is typically followed by a noun phrase or gerund describing the reason for the commendation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was commended for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote that someone received formal praise or recognition for a specific action or quality. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is generally used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "was praised for" or "was recognized for" exist, "was commended for" carries a tone of official acknowledgment. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the phrase is best used in situations where a formal or authoritative tone is desired, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was praised for

Direct synonym, indicating approval and admiration.

was lauded for

Similar to 'praised' but often suggests more formal or public acclaim.

was applauded for

Suggests enthusiastic approval, often in a performance context.

was celebrated for

Emphasizes a joyous recognition of achievement.

was recognized for

Highlights formal acknowledgment of merit.

was honored for

Suggests a formal and often prestigious form of recognition.

was distinguished for

Implies a unique or outstanding quality that earned recognition.

was acknowledged for

Implies that someone's efforts or contributions were noticed and appreciated.

was credited with

Highlights the attribution of a particular achievement or success.

earned accolades for

Indicates that someone received awards or praise for their work.

FAQs

What is a good substitute for "was commended for"?

Alternatives include "was praised for", "was applauded for", or "was recognized for". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

How do I use "was commended for" in a sentence?

Use "was commended for" to highlight a specific achievement or action that received praise. For example: "The firefighter was commended for his bravery during the rescue."

Is "was commended for" formal or informal?

"Was commended for" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. Simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings.

What is the difference between "was commended for" and "was praised for"?

While both phrases indicate approval, "was commended for" suggests a more formal or official recognition, often by an authority or organization. "Was praised for" is a more general term indicating approval or admiration.