In the last blog, we set two problem sentences that both used ‘recommend’. Here are the answers:

• My boss recommended me to that I work harder.
• Jamie recommended that Sarah to visit Thailand.

1. Recommending an activity:

Subject + recommend + (that) + person + verb

When we would like to suggest something we have experienced, heard about or a technique that works:

• I recommend you work harder.
• Jennifer recommended that they take up the west Japan project.

Subject + recommend + gerund + (to + person)

This is the same as the above, except we use a gerund (verb + ing) instead of a subject and verb clause. This is useful when the person being recommended to is obvious:

• The company recommended trying their new service.
• Sam recommended waiting a while longer.

2. Recommending someone (for a job or task):

Subject + recommend + person + for the job / task

We use this structure when we want to say someone we know is suitable for a task or position:

• I strongly recommend Paula for the job in the Tokyo office – she’s well-qualified.
• Mr. Schmidt recommended his son for the position as COO.

3. Recommending an object:

Subject + recommend + object + (to + person)

Sometimes we would like to suggest an object to a person when we think they would like it.

• I recommend the beef stew, sir.
• The check-in clerk recommended business class as the more comfortable option.

In the next blog, we will look at the difference between ‘teach’ and ‘train’ as verbs. Until then, are the sentences below correct or incorrect?

1. Mark taught Mike how to use the photocopier.

2. Ms. Spencer got a job training French to a class of 30 students.

3. A doctor is trained to save lives but a paramedic is taught to save them.

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