Recommend vs Recomend
The Ultimate Spelling Guide: Understanding the Difference Between Correct and Incorrect Usage
Quick Answer
"Recomend" is always incorrect - remember the double "m" in "recommend"!
Recomend
❌ INCORRECT
This spelling is never acceptable in English. It's a common mistake that should be avoided.
Recommend
✅ CORRECT
This is the proper spelling meaning "to suggest" or "to advise."
Understanding the Difference
"Recommend" (Verb)
- • Means "to suggest"
- • Has double "m"
- • Related to "commend"
- • Used in formal writing
"Recomend" (Incorrect)
- • Missing second "m"
- • Not a real English word
- • Common spelling mistake
- • Should be avoided
Etymology
- • From Latin "recommendare"
- • Related to "commend"
- • Always has double "m"
- • Common in English
Real-World Examples
✅ Correct Usage
"I recommend this book."
"Can you recommend a restaurant?"
"I recommend trying this."
"Do you recommend it?"
❌ Common Mistakes
"I recomend this book" ❌
Should be: "recommend"
"Can you recomend a restaurant?" ❌
Should be: "recommend"
"I recomend trying this" ❌
Should be: "recommend"
"Do you recomend it?" ❌
Should be: "recommend"
Memory Tricks & Tips
Double M Rule
"Recommend" has double "m"
Think Commend
"Commend" has double "m" - so does "recommend"
Write It Out
Practice writing "recommend" to build muscle memory
Proofread
Always double-check your spelling before submitting
Advanced Usage Patterns
Common Phrases
- • Highly recommend - strongly suggest
- • Personally recommend - individual suggestion
- • Would recommend - conditional suggestion
- • Can recommend - able to suggest
- • Always recommend - consistent suggestion
- • Never recommend - avoid suggesting
Grammatical Functions
- • Verb: "I recommend this"
- • With objects: "Recommend a book"
- • With infinitives: "Recommend to try"
- • With gerunds: "Recommend trying"
- • With prepositions: "Recommend for"
- • Past tense: "Recommended"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people confuse "recommend" and "recomend"?
A: The confusion often stems from the similar pronunciation and the fact that people might drop the second "m" thinking it follows a different pattern. The word can sound like it only has one "m."
Q: Can "recommend" be used in formal writing?
A: Absolutely! "Recommend" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, academic papers, business documents, and professional communication. It's a standard English word.
Q: What's the difference between "recommend" and "recomend"?
A: "Recommend" is the correct spelling meaning "to suggest" or "to advise." "Recomend" is missing the second "m" and is not a real word.
Q: Is "recommend" always about giving advice?
A: While "recommend" often refers to giving advice or suggestions, it can also refer to endorsing, suggesting, or putting forward something as worthy of consideration in various contexts.
Q: How can I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "commend" - "recommend" has double "m". Remember: "Commend" has double "m" - so does "recommend."
Q: What are some synonyms for "recommend"?
A: Common synonyms include: suggest, advise, propose, endorse, commend, and advocate. Each has slightly different connotations and usage contexts.
Q: Can "recommend" be used in different contexts?
A: Yes! "Recommend" is used in business, personal advice, product reviews, academic writing, and any context where you need to describe suggesting or endorsing something.
Q: What's the origin of the word "recommend"?
A: "Recommend" comes from Latin "recommendare" meaning "to commend" or "to entrust," which is related to "commend" meaning "to praise."
Q: Is "recommend" a regular or irregular verb?
A: "Recommend" follows a regular pattern. It's formed by adding "re" to the verb "commend," which is a common English prefix.
Q: How can I avoid spelling "recommend" incorrectly?
A: Practice writing the word, use memory tricks like thinking of "commend," and always proofread your work. Remember: the double "m" is the key!
Q: What's the difference between recommend and suggest?
A: While both refer to putting forward ideas, "recommend" often implies stronger endorsement or approval, while "suggest" is more tentative and open to consideration.
Q: Can recommend be used in passive voice?
A: Yes! "Recommend" can be used in passive voice: "It was recommended" or "This is recommended." It's a transitive verb in English.
Key Takeaway
Always remember: "Recommend" has double "m" and means "to suggest" or "to advise."
"Recomend" is missing the second "m" and is never correct.
💡 Pro Tip: Think "COMMEND" - "recommend" has double "m"!