What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recommend
Example
I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience. [recommend: verb]
Example
The doctor recommended that I take the medication twice a day. [recommended: past tense]
suggest
Example
Can I suggest we try a different approach to this problem? [suggest: verb]
Example
She suggested that we go to the beach for the weekend. [suggested: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recommend is more commonly used than suggest in formal contexts such as business or academic writing. However, suggest is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recommend and suggest?
Recommend is generally considered more formal than suggest, but both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and tone.