How to Give Recommendations: A Guide for English Language Learners

Recommendations are a vital part of communication, especially for English language learners. Whether you’re suggesting a restaurant, advising on a book, or recommending a course of action, knowing how to make recommendations effectively can significantly enhance your interactions. This article will delve into the key aspects of making recommendations in English, providing practical examples and tips to help you master this skill.

Understanding Recommendations

A recommendation is a suggestion or advice aimed at helping someone decide on a course of action. In English, recommendations can be expressed in various ways, depending on the context and the level of formality.

Direct Recommendations

Direct recommendations are straightforward and clear. Here are some common phrases:

• I recommend (that) you…: “I recommend that you try the sushi at that Japanese restaurant.”
• You should…: “You should read this book; it’s fantastic.”
• It’s a good idea to…: “It’s a good idea to visit the museum while you’re in town.”
• Why don’t you…?: “Why don’t you join us for dinner tonight?”

Indirect Recommendations

Indirect recommendations are more subtle and polite, often used to soften the suggestion:

• If I were you, I would…: “If I were you, I would check out that new café.”
• You might want to consider…: “You might want to consider taking a day off to relax.”
• Have you thought about…?: “Have you thought about trying a yoga class?”
• It might be a good idea to…: “It might be a good idea to save some money for emergencies.”

Formal Recommendations

Formal recommendations are used in more professional or serious contexts:

• I suggest (that) you…: “I suggest that you review the report before the meeting.”
• I advise you to…: “I advise you to consult with a financial advisor.”
• I would recommend (that) you…: “I would recommend that you apply for the scholarship.”

Asking for Recommendations

Knowing how to ask for recommendations is just as important as giving them. Here are some structures to help you ask for recommendations effectively.

Using “Which”

One common way to ask for a recommendation is by using the question word “which”:

• Which + noun + do + subject + main verb: “Which restaurant do you recommend?”

This structure can be adapted to various situations:

• “Which movie do you recommend?”
• “Which hotel do you recommend?”
• “Which dish do you recommend?”

Using “What” or “Where”

You can also use other question words such as “what” or “where”:

• What + noun + do + subject + main verb: “What books do you recommend?”
• Where + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb: “Where would you recommend visiting?”

Practical Examples

Let’s explore some practical examples based on a conversation between Dr. J and John, two characters discussing recommendations.

Example 1: Restaurant Recommendation

John: “Which restaurant do you recommend?” Dr. J: “I recommend the Japanese place up the street because it has great Japanese food and live jazz in the evenings.”

Example 2: Dish Recommendation

John: “Which dish do you recommend?” Dr. J: “I recommend the sushi; it’s their specialty.”

Example 3: Phone Recommendation

John: “Which phone do you recommend?” Dr. J: “I recommend the latest model from Brand X because it has excellent features and battery life.”

Tips for Giving Effective Recommendations

1. Be Specific: Provide clear and specific details to make your recommendation more helpful. For example, instead of saying, “I recommend a book,” say, “I recommend ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ because of its compelling story and strong themes.”
2. Consider the Audience: Tailor your recommendation to the person’s interests and needs. If someone loves mystery novels, recommend a good mystery book rather than a romance novel.
3. Explain Your Reasoning: Providing reasons for your recommendation makes it more convincing. For example, “I recommend this restaurant because the food is delicious, and the service is excellent.”
4. Use Positive Language: Positive language encourages the person to follow your recommendation. For example, “You should definitely try the new Italian place; the pasta is amazing!”
5. Be Honest: If you’re not sure about something, it’s okay to be honest. For example, “I haven’t tried that restaurant myself, but I’ve heard good things about it.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being Too Vague: Avoid vague recommendations like, “You should watch a movie.” Instead, specify which movie and why.
2. Overwhelming with Options: Don’t overwhelm the person with too many options. Instead, narrow it down to the best choice or a few good options.
3. Ignoring Preferences: Consider the person’s preferences and avoid recommending something you know they won’t like.
4. Forgetting Context: The context matters. A recommendation for a professional setting will differ from a casual setting.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master the art of recommendations is through practice. Try making recommendations in different situations, such as suggesting a place to visit, a book to read, or a method to solve a problem. You can also practice by asking for recommendations and paying attention to how others give their advice.

Making and asking for recommendations is a valuable skill that can enhance your communication in English. By understanding different ways to give and ask for recommendations, you can navigate various social and professional situations more effectively. Remember to be specific, consider your audience, explain your reasoning, use positive language, and practice regularly. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of recommendations.