Recommendation: meaning, definitions and examples

Recommendation is used when you strongly advise someone to do something based on your own positive experience or expertise. It often implies a formal or well-considered opinion.

• I have a recommendation for a great restaurant you should try.
• The doctor gave me a recommendation to see a specialist.

Advice is used when you offer guidance or an opinion to help someone make a decision. It can be on a personal level and carry a more informal tone.

• My friend gave me some good advice about managing stress.
• I need your advice on which job offer to accept.

Suggestion is used when you offer an idea or a possibility. It is less forceful than a recommendation and often implies that the person has other options.

• She made a suggestion to take the scenic route.
• I have a suggestion for how we can improve the project.

Guidance is used when you need more structured help or direction, usually involving mentoring or coaching. It implies continuous support rather than a one-time suggestion.

• The counselor provided guidance on how to cope with anxiety.
• I need guidance while navigating through my career change.

Note: The word 'recommendation' was mentioned twice. See above for the correct context and usage examples.

This is commonly used in professional settings when someone vouches for your skills, experience, or character based on past interactions. It can also refer to citing a source or evidence in academic or research works.

• You can use my name as a reference when applying for the job.
• The article included references to several important studies.

This often appears in marketing and is a personal statement from a satisfied customer or client about their positive experience with a product or service. It typically aims to persuade others.

• The website is full of positive testimonials from happy customers.
• After using the new software, I provided a testimonial explaining how it improved my workflow.

This word is often used in commercial contexts when a person, often a public figure, supports or promotes a product or service. It usually has a connotation of official approval.

• The celebrity's endorsement of the skincare brand boosted its sales enormously.
• Politicians often seek endorsements from influential community leaders.

Used when suggesting something or someone as good or suitable. Often involves general advice or suggestions.

• I need a recommendation for a good hotel in Paris.
• The teacher gave a recommendation for the best study techniques.

Used when someone gives their opinion about something, typically in more detailed, formal or informal feedback. It can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• I wrote a review of the new restaurant in town.
• The movie received mixed reviews from critics.

Used in contexts where personal experiences are shared as evidence of the quality or effectiveness of something. Often used in promotional material.

• The website displayed customer testimonials about their excellent service.
• She gave a heartfelt testimonial about how the program changed her life.

Commonly used in professional or commercial contexts to show formal support or approval, often involving public figures or brands.

• The product received an endorsement from a famous athlete.
• Her endorsement helped boost the charity's campaign.