Conjugation of "Recommend" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To suggest that someone should try something because you think it is good or suitable.
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All 12 Tenses of "Recommend"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "recommend" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I recommend |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I recommended |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will recommend |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am recommending |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was recommending |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be recommending |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have recommended |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had recommended |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have recommended |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been recommending |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been recommending |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been recommending |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Recommend" — Recommended
The past simple of "recommend" is "recommended" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.
- The doctor recommended regular exercise and a healthy diet. B1
Past Participle of "Recommend" — Recommended
The past participle of "recommend" is "recommended" — the same form as the past simple, since "recommend" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have recommended") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was recommended").
- The doctor recommended regular exercise and a healthy diet. B1
Is "Recommend" Regular or Irregular?
"Recommend" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "recommended". The 3rd-person singular present is "recommends" and the gerund/present participle is "recommending".
Conjugation pattern: regular: recommend-recommended-recommended
How to Pronounce "Recommend" and Its Forms
Recommend: /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ — Stress pattern: oos
Three syllables: rec-uh-MEND. Stress on third syllable MEND, with schwa /ə/ in second syllable.
Common mispronunciation of "recommend"
Sometimes /rɛkəˈmɛnd/ with equal stress on all syllables; correct stress is on final MEND.
Syllable breakdown: rec · um · MEND
How to Use "Recommend" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use 'recommend + noun' (recommend a book) or 'recommend that/doing' (recommend getting insurance).
S + V + object + to personS + V + that clauseS + V + gerund
Example Sentences with "Recommend" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: I recommend this restaurant to all my friends. A2
- Simple Past: The doctor recommended regular exercise and a healthy diet. B1
Common Collocations with "Recommend"
- highly recommend
- recommend to someone
- recommend doing
When to Use "Recommend" vs Similar Verbs
"recommend" vs "suggest"
Recommend implies strong approval; suggest is more neutral proposal of options.
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- suggest — for proposing an idea informally
- advise — for giving professional expert guidance
- propose — for putting forward a plan
Antonyms: discourage, warn against
Common Mistakes with "Recommend"
-
Wrong: She recommend often.
Correct: She recommends often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Origin and Etymology of "Recommend"
From Latin 're-' (again) + 'commendare' (to entrust). Literally 'to commend again or back'.
Essential in commerce, tourism, and social life; recommendations shape consumer behavior and choices.
Other Forms of "Recommend"
- Noun: recommendation
Conjugation Tables for "Recommend"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not recommend · He does not recommend
- Simple past: I did not recommend · She did not recommend
- Present perfect: I have not recommended · He has not recommended
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you recommend? · Does he recommend?
- Simple past: Did you recommend?
- Present perfect: Have you recommended?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is recommended
- Simple past passive: It was recommended
- Present perfect passive: It has been recommended
Frequently Asked Questions About "Recommend"
- Is "recommend" regular or irregular?
- "recommend" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "recommended".
- What is the past tense of "recommend"?
- The simple past of "recommend" is "recommended".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "recommend"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I recommend every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am recommending right now."