What is recommendation? Pronunciation and usage in English

recommendation means . Learn how to pronounce and use recommendation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of recommendation

recommendationnoun

/ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn//ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "recommendation." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, and then I'll offer a few ways to hear it:

Here's the pronunciation:

  • re‧com‧mend‧a‧tion

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. re - pronounced like the "re" in "red" (rhymes with "bed")
  2. com - pronounced like the "com" in "come"
  3. mend - pronounced like "mend" (as in "mend a shirt") – This one is crucial!
  4. a - pronounced like the "a" in "father" – a short, open "a" sound.
  5. tion - pronounced like "shun" (rhymes with "fun")

Putting it together, it sounds like: "Reh-kom-mend-ay-shun"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable: "mend."
  • "mend" sound: Make sure you distinctly say "mend," don't just pronounce "men."
  • "tion" sound: Don't add an extra "t" sound to the end. It's "shun," not "tion."

Here are some audio resources to help you hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word (like the "mend" syllable)?

Usage and examples with the word recommendation in English

Let's break down how to use "recommendation" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As a Noun (the core meaning):

  • Definition: A recommendation is an expression of an opinion or suggestion about something, typically something you think is good or suitable. It’s a suggestion to someone else.

  • Examples:

    • "I have a recommendation for a good Italian restaurant downtown." (Suggesting a specific place)
    • "The doctor gave me a recommendation to take more vitamin D." (Suggesting an action)
    • "Her recommendation for the book was spot on – I loved it!" (Expressing a positive opinion about a book)
    • "The committee’s recommendation was to increase the budget." (Suggesting a course of action)

2. As a Verb (less common, but important to know):

  • Definition: To recommend means to suggest something strongly, often with the expectation that it will be accepted.

  • Examples:

    • "I recommend you try this new coffee shop." (Suggesting you should visit)
    • "The manager recommended him for the promotion." (Suggesting he should be considered)
    • "She recommended a solution to the problem." (Suggesting a way to fix it)

3. Phrases Using "Recommendation":

  • “Based on my recommendation…”: "Based on my recommendation, you should definitely visit the art museum."
  • “I’d like to make a recommendation…”: "I’d like to make a recommendation regarding the project timeline."
  • “The board of directors issued a recommendation…”: “The board of directors issued a recommendation to invest in renewable energy.”
  • “A key recommendation was…”: “A key recommendation was to reduce operating costs.”

4. Context is Key – Different Types of Recommendations:

  • Personal Recommendations: These come from a friend, family member, or colleague ("My sister recommended this movie…").
  • Professional Recommendations: These come from experts in a field ("The consultant recommended a new marketing strategy…").
  • Formal Recommendations: (Often in reports or official documents) ("The committee’s recommendation was to proceed with the project.")

5. Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Suggestion
  • Advice
  • Proposal
  • Suggestion
  • Proposition
  • Advocate

Tips for Using "Recommendation" Correctly:

  • Be specific: When offering a recommendation, try to give details about why you're recommending it. Don't just say, "I recommend this book." Say, “I recommend this book because it’s a really engaging story with complex characters."
  • Use "recommend" as a verb to suggest: Remember that "recommend" can also be a verb – “I recommend you to consider…”
  • Consider your audience: The formality of your language should match the situation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., a casual email, a formal report, a creative story?)
  • What are you trying to recommend in particular? (e.g., a product, a place, a strategy, a solution?)

Synonyms for the word recommendation

Practice with vocabulary recommendation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After a thorough review, the committee's final ________________ was to implement the new policy immediately.
  2. Her strong ________________ from her previous employer greatly helped her secure the new position.
  3. The project team welcomed his ________________ regarding a more efficient software solution.
  4. For detailed financial ________________, it's best to consult a certified advisor.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

(There may be multiple correct answers for some questions. Select all that apply.)

  1. The CEO carefully considered the board's ________________ regarding the company's expansion strategy. a) command b) decree c) recommendation d) order

  2. The architect submitted a detailed ________________ for the new building's energy-efficient design, and included a key ________________ to incorporate solar panels. a) blueprint, mandate b) proposal, recommendation c) plan, directive d) suggestion, counsel

  3. The software update came with a strong ________________ to back up all data before installation. a) command b) order c) recommendation d) demand

  4. Before making a final decision, the manager sought expert ________________ on the legal implications. a) recommendation b) guidance c) suggestion d) counsel

  5. The committee issued a formal ________________ outlining the steps required to improve workplace safety. a) instruction b) directive c) counsel d) opinion

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We suggest that all employees complete the cybersecurity training by the end of the month. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "recommendation": The company's ________________ is for all employees to complete the cybersecurity training by the end of the month.

  2. Original: The consultant advised us to restructure the marketing department for better efficiency. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "recommendation": The consultant's key ________________ was to restructure the marketing department for better efficiency.

  3. Original: The management told the team what to do to meet the project deadline. Rewrite the sentence, but DO NOT use "recommendation" or its related forms: The management provided the team with clear ________________ on how to meet the project deadline.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After a thorough review, the committee's final recommendation was to implement the new policy immediately.
  2. Her strong recommendation from her previous employer greatly helped her secure the new position.
  3. The project team welcomed his suggestion regarding a more efficient software solution.
  4. For detailed financial guidance, it's best to consult a certified advisor.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) recommendation
  2. b) proposal, recommendation
  3. c) recommendation
  4. b) guidance, d) counsel
  5. a) instruction, b) directive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's recommendation is for all employees to complete the cybersecurity training by the end of the month.
  2. The consultant's key recommendation was to restructure the marketing department for better efficiency.
  3. The management provided the team with clear instructions on how to meet the project deadline.

Comment ()