Suggest vs. Recommend

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What’s the difference between suggest and recommend?

Both mean to give advice or an idea, but they’re used a little differently. Let’s compare them.

1. Suggest (verb)

We use suggest when we give someone an idea, often in a casual or everyday context.

• She suggested going for a walk.
• Can you suggest a good restaurant nearby?
• He suggested that we leave early to avoid traffic.
• I suggested trying a different approach.

Suggest = to offer an idea or possibility.

2. Recommend (verb)

We use recommend when giving advice that’s stronger, often based on knowledge or expertise. It can sound more formal than suggest.

• The doctor recommended rest and plenty of fluids.
• I recommend this book — it’s very helpful.
• They recommended the hotel to us.
• The consultant recommends that we cut costs.

Recommend = to advise something as the best option.

⚠️ Watch out for these spelling mistakes:

❌ reccommend
❌ reccomend
✅ recommend

Sentence structures with SUGGEST and RECOMMEND

After suggest:

• suggest + -ing
  • He suggested going home early.
  • She suggested trying a new recipe.
  • They suggest visiting the museum on Sunday.
• suggest that + subject + verb
  • She suggested that we wait a little longer.
  • I suggest that he see a doctor.
  • The teacher suggested that we review the chapter again.

⚠️ Don’t make this common mistake!

❌ She suggested me to go.
✅ She suggested that I go. / She suggested going.

After recommend:

• recommend + -ing
  • I recommend trying the chocolate cake.
  • He recommends reading this book for the exam.
  • We recommend checking your work carefully.
• recommend (something) to (someone)
  • He recommended the movie to me.
  • She recommended the restaurant to her parents.
  • They recommended the course to their classmates.
• recommend that + subject + verb (often used in formal/professional contexts)
  • The doctor recommended that she get more rest.
  • I recommend that you speak with a lawyer.
  • They recommended that he apply for the scholarship.

4. Noun Forms of SUGGEST and RECOMMEND

• The noun from suggest is suggestion.
  • ✅ Thanks for your suggestion.
  • ❌ Thanks for your suggest.
• The noun from recommend is recommendation.
  • ✅ I’d like to hear your recommendation.
  • ❌ I’d like to hear your recommend.

👉 Always use suggestion or recommendation when you need a noun.

Quick Comparison