Recommended vs. Recommend — What's the Difference?

By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024

"Recommended" is used as an adjective to describe something that is suggested or endorsed, while "recommend" is a verb meaning to suggest or endorse something.

Recommended vs. Recommend — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Recommended and Recommend

Key Differences

"Recommended" acts as an adjective or past participle, implying something has been endorsed by someone, such as a product recommended by experts, whereas "recommend" is a verb used when someone is making the endorsement, such as when a doctor recommends a treatment.

When using "recommended", the focus is on the state of having received a recommendation, for example, a book that is highly recommended for its insights, while using "recommend" involves the action of suggesting something, like when a friend recommends a book based on your interests.

"Recommended" is often seen in passive constructions, such as "This film is highly recommended for horror enthusiasts", emphasizing the film's reception, whereas "recommend" actively involves the speaker in advising, as in "I recommend this film to anyone who loves horror."

In guidelines or standards, "recommended" specifies what is advised, such as in "recommended practices for safety", highlighting what has been established as preferable, while "recommend" appears in the process of establishing these advisories, as committees might recommend certain practices after review.

Labels like "doctor recommended" imply a product has been endorsed based on expertise, focusing on the credibility it grants, on the other hand, when a doctor recommends a medication, the focus is on the act of advising based on professional judgment.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective or past participle

Verb

Usage Context

Describes something that has been endorsed

Action of suggesting or endorsing

Typical Constructions

Passive (is recommended, was recommended)

Active (recommend something to someone)

Examples

"Recommended procedure", "highly recommended"

"I recommend trying this", "they recommend"

Focus

On the status or reception of the endorsement

On the action or process of endorsing

Compare with Definitions

Recommend

To express approval of a choice.

I recommend trying the chef’s special.

Recommend

To advocate for a course of action.

The committee recommends these changes.

Recommend

To advise someone to choose a particular thing.

I recommend this book for a quick read.

Recommend

To make a suggestion based on experience or knowledge.

I recommend visiting the museum.

Recommend

To endorse a product or service.

We recommend our latest model for efficient performance.

Recommend

To praise or commend to another as being worthy or desirable; endorse

Recommended him for the job.

Recommended a car instead of an SUV.

Recommend

To make attractive or acceptable

This book has much to recommend it.

Recommend

To advise or counsel

She recommended that we be on time.

Recommend

To commit to the charge of another; entrust

"By these our letters we would have the safety of his person ... recommended to your care" (John Milton).

Recommend

To give advice or counsel

"recommended against signing an international agreement" (Time).

Recommend

(transitive) To bestow commendation on; to represent favourably; to suggest, endorse or encourage as an appropriate choice.

The board recommends Philips, given his ample experience in similar positions.

Recommend

(transitive) To make acceptable; to attract favor to.

A city that has much to recommend it.

Recommend

(transitive) To advise, propose, counsel favorably

The therapist recommends resting the mind and exercising the body.

My therapist recommended that I rest the mind and exercise the body.

Recommend

To commit, confide to another's care, confidence or acceptance, with favoring representations

A medieval oblate's parents recommended the boy for life to God and the monastery.

Recommend

To commend to the favorable notice of another; to commit to another's care, confidence, or acceptance, with favoring representations; to put in a favorable light before any one; to bestow commendation on; as, he recommended resting the mind and exercising the body.

Mæcenas recommended Virgil and Horace to Augustus, whose praises . . . have made him precious to posterity.

Recommend

To make acceptable; to attract favor to.

A decent boldness ever meets with friends,Succeeds, and e'en a stranger recommends.

Recommend

To commit; to give in charge; to commend.

Paul chose Silas and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

Recommend

Push for something;

The travel agent recommended strongly that we not travel on Thanksgiving Day

Recommend

Express a good opinion of

Recommend

Make attractive or acceptable;

Honesty recommends any person

Common Curiosities

What does it mean to recommend something?

To recommend means to suggest that someone should choose or avoid something based on judgment or experience.

What does "recommended" imply?

It implies something has been suggested as good or beneficial, usually by someone authoritative.

How is "recommended" typically used in sentences?

It is often used to describe something that comes with suggestions for its choice, such as "recommended treatment."

Can "recommend" be used for negative advice?

Yes, you can recommend against something if you believe it to be a bad choice.

Do "recommended" and "recommend" share the same root?

Yes, both derive from the Latin word "commendare," meaning to entrust or praise.

Can both "recommended" and "recommend" appear in the same sentence?

Yes, they can coexist, e.g., "I recommend the treatment that comes highly recommended by specialists."

Are there formal uses for "recommend"?

Yes, in professional or academic settings, "recommend" is used formally to suggest policies, methods, or actions.

How does the use of "recommend" affect persuasion?

Using "recommend" can be persuasive as it suggests personal endorsement and credibility.

What is the difference in impact between "recommended" and "recommend"?

"Recommended" often conveys a general endorsement which might affect a wider audience, whereas "recommend" is a direct, personal suggestion.

Is "recommended" passive in nature?

Yes, it often appears in a passive form to indicate that the action of recommending has been completed.

What type of feedback does "recommended" usually imply?

It typically implies positive feedback or approval from a reputable source.

Is "recommend" always followed by an object?

Typically, yes, "recommend" should directly specify what is being recommended.

Is "recommend" appropriate in casual conversation?

Yes, it's commonly used in both casual and formal discussions to give advice.

Can "recommended" suggest mandatory actions?

While it suggests strong advice, it usually does not imply obligation unless specified as mandatory by context.

Does the use of "recommended" in marketing affect consumer decisions?

Yes, products labeled as "recommended" are often perceived as more trustworthy and of higher quality by consumers.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Co-written by

Urooj Arif

Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.