Recommendation vs. Suggestion: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A recommendation is a strong endorsement based on expertise or experience, while a suggestion is a casual idea or proposal without insistence.
Key Differences
Recommendations usually come from a position of authority or expertise, suggesting confidence and research. Suggestions, however, are often casual ideas offered without a claim of expertise.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
A recommendation carries a stronger sense of conviction and persuasion, often based on the recommender's positive experiences. A suggestion is typically a lighter, more tentative proposal, open to consideration but not strongly argued for.
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Nov 14, 2023
In professional or formal settings, recommendations are common, reflecting a well-considered opinion. Suggestions are more common in informal or brainstorming sessions, where ideas are freely exchanged without much deliberation.
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Recommendations can have a significant impact on decisions, especially when they come from trusted sources. Suggestions, while valuable, often hold less sway and are seen as one of many options.
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Accepting a recommendation often implies trust in the recommender's judgment. In contrast, acting on a suggestion might be seen as exploring an option rather than following expert advice.
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Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basis of Authority
Often comes from expertise
Usually without a claim of expertise
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Strength of Conviction
Strong, persuasive endorsement
Casual, tentative idea
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Context of Usage
Formal, professional settings
Informal, brainstorming settings
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Impact and Influence
High impact and influence
Lesser impact, one of many options
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Response and Acceptance
Implies trust in judgment
Seen as exploring an option
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Recommendation and Suggestion Definitions
Recommendation
A suggestion made by authority or expertise. Example
The doctor's recommendation was to rest for a week.
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Suggestion
A possible plan or action.
The suggestion to rearrange the furniture was considered.
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Recommendation
A formal proposal of a candidate. Example
His recommendation for the job position was accepted.
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Suggestion
An implication or insinuation.
There was a suggestion of doubt in his voice.
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Recommendation
An endorsement of a choice or plan. Example
His recommendation for the new software was highly regarded.
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Suggestion
A creative or innovative idea.
Her suggestion for the project was creative and unique.
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Recommendation
A persuasive counsel or guidance. Example
The committee put forth a strong recommendation for policy changes.
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Suggestion
An idea or proposal offered for consideration.
Her suggestion to visit the museum was exciting.
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Recommendation
An advice based on knowledge or experience. Example
Based on her experience, her recommendation was invaluable.
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Recommendation
Something that recommends, especially a favorable statement concerning character or qualifications.
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Oct 19, 2023
Suggestion
The sequential process by which one thought or mental image leads to another.
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Suggestion
A psychological process by which an idea is induced in or adopted by another without argument, command, or coercion.
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Suggestion
A hint or trace
Just a suggestion of makeup.
The first suggestion of trouble ahead.
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Recommendation
A commendation or endorsement.
Your next employer may require a recommendation.
He made a recommendation about what food to order.
We followed the recommendation to order sushi.
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Oct 19, 2023
Suggestion
(countable) Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for)
I have a small suggestion for fixing this: try lifting the left side up a bit.
Make a suggestion
Traffic signs seem to be more of a suggestion than an order.
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Oct 19, 2023
Suggestion
(uncountable) The act of suggesting.
Suggestion often works better than explicit demand.
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Recommendation
That which recommends, or commends to favor; anything procuring, or tending to procure, a favorable reception, or to secure acceptance and adoption; as, he brought excellent recommendations.
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Suggestion
Something implied, which the mind is liable to take as fact.
He’s somehow picked up the suggestion that I like peanuts.
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Recommendation
The state of being recommended; esteem.
The burying of the dead . . . hath always been had in an extraordinary recommendation amongst the ancient.
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Suggestion
The act of exercising control over a hypnotised subject by communicating some belief or impulse by means of words or gestures; the idea so suggested.
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Recommendation
Something (as a course of action) that is recommeended as advisable
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Suggestion
Information, insinuation, speculation, as opposed to a sworn testimony and evidence.
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Recommendation
Something that recommends (or expresses commendation) of a person or thing as worthy or desirable
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Recommendation
Any quality or characteristic that gains a person a favorable reception or acceptance or admission;
Her pleasant personality is already a recommendation
His wealth was not a passport into the exclusive circles of society
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Suggestion
That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation.
Why do I yield to that suggestion?
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Suggestion
Information without oath; an entry of a material fact or circumstance on the record for the information of the court, at the death or insolvency of a party.
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Suggestion
The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; - a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown.
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Suggestion
The control of the mind of an hypnotic subject by ideas in the mind of the hypnotizer.
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.
Arthur, whom they say is killed to-nightOn your suggestion.
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Suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
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Suggestion
A just detectable amount;
He speaks French with a trace of an accent
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Suggestion
The sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association
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Suggestion
A hint or indirect indication.
His suggestion was subtle, but she understood.
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Nov 14, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How important is a suggestion?
It's valuable as a potential option or idea.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can suggestions influence decisions?
Yes, but usually less than recommendations.
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Nov 14, 2023
Should recommendations always be followed?
Not always, but they should be considered seriously.
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How do suggestions help in brainstorming?
They introduce new ideas and perspectives.
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What's the role of recommendations in a job application?
They provide credibility and endorsement.
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What makes a good recommendation?
Expertise, experience, and relevance to the context.
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Who typically gives recommendations?
Experts, professionals, or trusted individuals.
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Nov 14, 2023
Are suggestions always casual?
Often, but they can be serious depending on the context.
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What's the best way to offer a suggestion?
Clearly, politely, and without insistence.
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Is a recommendation always formal?
Often, but not necessarily in all contexts.
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Can a suggestion lead to a new discovery?
Yes, it can spark innovation and creativity.
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How to respond to a recommendation?
With consideration and evaluation of its merits.
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Can recommendations change over time?
Yes, as new information or context arises.
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How are suggestions communicated?
Casually, through conversation or brainstorming sessions.
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Nov 14, 2023
How to evaluate a suggestion?
Consider its feasibility, creativity, and relevance.
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What weight does a recommendation carry?
It's influential, especially from a credible source.
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Are suggestions always positive?
No, they can be neutral or offer constructive criticism.
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Nov 14, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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