Recommendation of vs. Recommendation for – Which is Correct?
Both “recommendation of” and “recommendation for” are correct, but they introduce different relationships. Use “recommendation of” when identifying the person, thing, or action being recommended. Use “recommendation for” when identifying the person, purpose, position, or situation that receives or needs the recommendation. Context determines the best choice in each sentence.
Table of Contents
Because recommendation derives from recommend, spelling it correctly matters; consult Recommend vs. Reccomend when checking the verb.
Recommendation of or Recommendation for – Which is Correct?
Both “recommendation of” and “recommendation for” are grammatically correct. The preposition changes what follows the phrase.
Use “recommendation of” when of introduces the specific person, product, book, action, or idea being recommended. For example, “The committee’s recommendation of Dr. Lee” identifies Dr. Lee as the person receiving the endorsement.
Use “recommendation for” when for introduces the intended recipient, purpose, role, benefit, or situation. For example, “The committee’s recommendation for Dr. Lee” usually means that the committee recommends Dr. Lee for a particular position, award, or opportunity.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use this simple question-and-answer test:
- Recommendation of what or whom? Use of when naming the subject being endorsed.
- Recommendation for what purpose, position, or recipient? Use for when naming the goal, role, or intended beneficiary.
Compare these examples: “a recommendation of a new software tool” identifies the tool being recommended, while “a recommendation for new software” identifies the purpose or need for which a solution is being suggested.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| recommendation of | Noun phrase | An endorsement of a particular person, thing, or action | The recommendation of the final candidate was unanimous. |
| recommendation for | Noun phrase | A suggestion intended for a purpose, position, recipient, or situation | She wrote a recommendation for the scholarship application. |
How to Use “Recommendation of”
The phrase “recommendation of” focuses on the object of the recommendation. The noun or noun phrase following of is the person, product, policy, service, or action that someone endorses, supports, or suggests.
This construction is common in formal writing, including reports, academic papers, business documents, evaluations, and official decisions. It can also appear in everyday speech when the recommended subject is clear.
Example 1: The board approved the recommendation of the independent review panel.
Example 2: Her recommendation of that restaurant was completely justified.
Example 3: The report included a recommendation of stricter safety procedures.
Etymology of the phrase “recommendation of”
The noun recommendation comes from the Latin recommendare, meaning “to commend” or “to entrust.” It entered English through French and developed the sense of presenting someone or something favorably. The preposition of has Old English and Germanic origins and commonly expresses association, identity, or connection.
How to Use “Recommendation for”
The phrase “recommendation for” focuses on the intended purpose, role, recipient, or circumstance connected with the recommendation. The noun following for may identify a job, award, treatment, solution, policy, audience, or specific need.
Use this construction when the recommendation is made to help someone achieve a goal or to address a particular situation. It is especially common in professional, medical, educational, and administrative contexts.
Example 1: The professor wrote a recommendation for Maya’s graduate-school application.
Example 2: The consultant prepared a recommendation for reducing energy costs.
Example 3: The doctor gave us a recommendation for managing seasonal allergies.
Etymology of the phrase “recommendation for”
Recommendation derives from Latin recommendare, meaning to commend or present favorably. The preposition for comes from Old English and has long expressed purpose, benefit, destination, or intended use. Together, “recommendation for” developed as a natural way to identify the goal or recipient associated with advice or approval.
Related Concepts
Understanding the roles of prepositions makes it easier to choose between these two valid phrases. The key distinction is whether you are naming the recommended subject or the purpose and recipient of the recommendation.
- Object of a recommendation: This is the person, thing, or action being endorsed. It commonly follows “recommendation of,” as in “a recommendation of the new policy.”
- Purpose or intended recipient: This identifies the role, goal, situation, or person who benefits from the recommendation. It commonly follows “recommendation for,” as in “a recommendation for the vacant position.”
- Prepositions: Small words such as of and for express different relationships between words. Replacing one with the other can change the meaning or make the sentence less precise.
- Ambiguity: Some sentences allow both phrases, but the meaning may shift. “A recommendation of Alex” endorses Alex, whereas “a recommendation for Alex” may refer to advice intended to help Alex or a position suggested for Alex.
Examples from Media and Literature
These examples reflect the kinds of wording commonly found in journalism, fiction, film dialogue, and professional communication:
- News: A city council report might announce “the recommendation of a new public-transit plan,” identifying the plan being endorsed.
- Business: A workplace memo might contain “a recommendation for remote-work guidelines,” identifying the purpose of the proposal.
- Literature: A character might trust a friend’s “recommendation of a particular book,” focusing on the book itself.
- Film and television: A doctor or investigator might offer “a recommendation for further testing,” focusing on the next step or purpose.
- Education: A teacher might submit “a recommendation for a scholarship,” identifying the opportunity for which the student is being supported.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase, recommendation of or recommendation for, to complete each sentence.
- The committee supported the ______ the revised hiring policy.
- She requested a letter of ______ the internship program.
- The doctor made a ______ additional physical therapy.
- Everyone valued his ______ the new project manager.
- The report included a ______ improved emergency procedures.
Answer Key
- recommendation of — The revised hiring policy is the subject being endorsed.
- recommendation for — The internship program is the purpose or opportunity connected with the letter.
- recommendation for — Additional physical therapy is the proposed treatment or purpose.
- recommendation of — The new project manager is the person being endorsed.
- recommendation for — Improved emergency procedures are the intended goal of the proposal.
Recommendation of Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Endorsement of | A public or formal expression of support for a person or thing |
| Approval of | An expression of agreement or acceptance |
| Advocacy of | Active support for a person, cause, idea, or policy |
| Praise of | Favorable judgment or approval directed toward someone or something |
Recommendation for Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Suggestion for | An idea offered for a particular purpose or situation |
| Advice for | Guidance intended to help a person or address a need |
| Proposal for | A formal plan put forward for consideration |
| Nomination for | A formal proposal that someone receive an award, role, or honor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “recommendation of” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Recommendation of” is correct when of introduces the person, thing, or action being endorsed, such as “a recommendation of the proposed law.”
Question 2: Is “recommendation for” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Recommendation for” is correct when for introduces the intended purpose, position, recipient, or situation, such as “a recommendation for a new safety policy.”
Question 3: What is the difference between “a recommendation of John” and “a recommendation for John”?
“A recommendation of John” usually means that John is the person being endorsed. “A recommendation for John” may mean advice intended to help John or a position, award, or opportunity being suggested for him. The surrounding context determines the exact meaning.
Conclusion
“Recommendation of” and “recommendation for” are both correct. Choose of when naming the subject being recommended, and choose for when identifying the purpose, position, recipient, or situation connected with the recommendation. Pro Tip: In professional writing, select the preposition that makes this relationship unmistakable; precise wording strengthens your credibility and reputation.
