Recommend vs. Commend — What's the Difference?

Recommend is the act of endorsing someone or something as suitable for a specific task, purpose, or person. This often involves suggesting a product, service, or course of action based on its merits or suitability for the recipient's needs. On the other hand, commend is to express approval or praise for someone or something, typically due to their qualities, performance, or achievements. It's an acknowledgment of merit or a job well done.

When you recommend something, you are essentially guiding someone towards a choice you believe will benefit them, based on your assessment or experience. Recommending carries a sense of responsibility and is often based on the recommender's personal or professional judgment. Conversely, commending someone does not necessarily imply a suggestion for future action but serves as a recognition of past or present qualities or accomplishments.

For instance, recommending a book to a friend because you found it insightful implies you believe the book will offer them value or enjoyment. Commending the author of that book, however, focuses on acknowledging the skill, effort, or insight they demonstrated in writing it, without directly suggesting others to read it.

Professionally, a recommendation, such as in a letter of recommendation, can open doors for opportunities by endorsing an individual’s capabilities and character to a prospective employer or institution. Commending an employee in a performance review, however, highlights their achievements and contributions, serving as an acknowledgment rather than a direct endorsement for future opportunities.

Both recommending and commending are positive actions, but the former is forward-looking with a focus on suitability for future scenarios, while the latter is more reflective, recognizing past or present merits.