How to Ask for and Give Recommendations in English

A good recommendation starts with the other person's needs. A lively café may suit one friend and be too noisy for another. When you ask for or give recommendations in English, explain the situation first. Then use a natural phrase, give a reason and leave room for the person to choose.

Ask a question that includes your needs

“What do you recommend?” works when the situation is already clear, such as choosing from a menu. In a new conversation, add a little context: “Can you recommend a short book for an English learner?” The extra detail helps the other person suggest something useful.

Mention one or two important limits: your time, budget, location or interests. You might say, “I'd like a film under two hours, and I don't enjoy horror.” Avoid giving so many conditions that your partner loses the main question.

Use recommend with a noun or an -ing form

With a thing or place, the pattern is recommend + noun: “I recommend the small café near the library.” With an activity, use recommend + -ing: “I recommend visiting in the morning.” Another useful pattern is “I'd recommend it to a friend.” Here, to introduces the person receiving the recommendation.

Avoid “I recommend you to visit.” For a clear beginner pattern, choose “I recommend visiting” or “I'd recommend the morning visit.” You can also say, “I think you should visit in the morning.” These give similar advice, but their grammar is different.

For softer suggestions, try “You might enjoy…” or “It could be a good option if…” These phrases are helpful when you do not know the person's tastes very well. A recommendation does not need to sound certain to be useful.

Explain why it suits the listener

“It's good” tells your partner very little. “The chapters are short, so you can read one on the bus” connects a feature to a need. Give a specific reason, and separate your own opinion from something you actually know. “I found it easy to follow” is more careful than promising that everyone will find it easy.

Use practical descriptions such as peaceful, crowded, easy to reach or suitable for beginners. The lesson on describing people and places can help you make those details clearer. If you have not tried something, say so: “I haven't been, but a friend enjoyed the walking tour.”

Ask a follow-up and respond politely

A recommendation can start a conversation rather than end it. Ask “What did you like about it?”, “Is it suitable for children?” or “How long does it take?” Then acknowledge the suggestion even if it does not suit you.

• “That sounds useful. I'll have a look.”

• “Thanks. I'm looking for something a bit shorter.”

• “I like the idea, but I'd prefer an indoor activity.”

• “Do you know another option near the station?”

You can decline a suggestion without attacking the other person's taste. The phrases in disagreeing politely in English help when you need to explain a different preference. Keep the conversation about your needs: “I prefer quieter places” is easier to respond to than “That café is terrible.”

Practise a complete recommendation exchange

These names are invented for practice. Noor: “Can you recommend a place to read after work?” Eli: “You might like Willow Café. It's usually quiet before six, and there are tables by the window.” Noor: “Does it serve food?” Eli: “Yes, but I've only tried the soup.” Noor: “Thanks. I'll check its opening hours.”

Notice that Eli gives a reason and limits the claim to personal experience. Noor checks a practical detail before deciding. For your own practice, choose a book, a local activity or a familiar place. Ask your partner two questions before making a recommendation.

Repeat the exchange with a different need. The same book might suit a reader who likes short chapters but not someone who wants a picture dictionary. Changing the listener's needs helps you practise meaningful reasons rather than memorising one fixed answer.