What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
guideline
Example
The company has issued guidelines for employees on how to use social media. [guidelines: noun]
Example
The government has established guidelines for safe food handling practices. [guidelines: noun]
recommendation
Example
I would like to ask for your recommendation on which restaurant to go to. [recommendation: noun]
Example
The doctor gave me a recommendation for a good physical therapist. [recommendation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guideline is more commonly used than recommendation in everyday language. Guideline is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while recommendation is more specific and tends to be used in certain situations, such as when seeking advice or making a decision.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between guideline and recommendation?
Guideline is typically associated with a more formal tone, as it is often used in professional or organizational settings. Recommendation, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
