When drafting an email, writing an academic paper, or reporting on policy changes in current affairs, precision in language is essential. One common grammatical dilemma that confuses native speakers and ESL learners alike is deciding between recommend doing or recommend to do.

Should you say, “I recommend checking the latest news report” or “I recommend to check the latest news report”?

The short answer is straightforward: Always use “recommend doing” (verb + gerund). Using “recommend to do” (verb + infinitive) is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the exact grammar rules behind this structure, explain alternative sentence patterns like the subjunctive clause, provide over 75 unique examples across various contexts, and offer practical exercises to help you master this rule once and for all.

The Core Grammar Rule Explained

To understand why recommend doing is correct while recommend to do is wrong, we need to examine how the verb recommend interacts with other verbs.

In English, certain verbs are followed by gerunds (verb + -ing), while others are followed by infinitives (to + verb). The verb recommend belongs to the gerund-following group.

CORRECT:   Subject + Recommend + Gerund (-ing)
INCORRECT: Subject + Recommend + Infinitive (to + verb)

Definitions & Meanings

• Recommend (verb): To advise a particular course of action, or to suggest someone or something as suitable for a specific purpose.
• Gerund: A verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun (e.g., reading, investing, voting).
• Infinitive: The base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., to read, to invest, to vote).

When you use the verb recommend followed directly by another action, you must use the gerund form.

• Correct: The analyst recommended buying renewable energy stocks.
• Incorrect: The analyst recommended to buy renewable energy stocks.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: The 3 Valid Patterns of “Recommend”

To express advice or suggestions correctly, you can choose from three primary grammatical patterns involving the verb recommend.

Pattern 1: Recommend + Gerund (Recommend Doing)

Use this pattern when you are suggesting a general action without specifying who should perform it.

• Formula: Subject + recommend(s/ed) + [verb]-ing
• Example: Health officials recommend wearing masks in crowded spaces.

Pattern 2: Recommend + That-Clause (Subjunctive)

Use this pattern when you want to specify who should perform the action. In formal English, this structure uses the base form of the verb (the subjunctive mood), regardless of the subject.

• Formula: Subject + recommend(s/ed) + (that) + Person + Base Verb
• Example: The doctor recommended that he take a week off work. (Note: “take”, not “takes” or “took”)
• Informal Example: The doctor recommended he take a week off. (The word “that” can be omitted in informal speech.)

Pattern 3: Recommend + Noun / Direct Object

Use this pattern when suggesting a specific thing, person, or place.

• Formula: Subject + recommend(s/ed) + Direct Object + (to + Person)
• Example: I recommended the book to my colleague.
• Example: She recommended a new strategy for the campaign.

Summary Comparison Table

Note on “Recommend someone to do something”: While structures like “advise someone to do” or “encourage someone to do” are perfectly correct, using “recommend someone to do” is considered non-standard or incorrect in modern English. Instead, use “recommend that someone do” or “advise someone to do”.

Why Is “Recommend To Do” So Common as a Mistake?

The error often occurs because several related English verbs do take the infinitive form (Verb + Object + To + Base Verb):

• They advised us to wait. (Correct)
• She encouraged him to apply. (Correct)
• The manager told them to finish. (Correct)
• The editor asked me to review the report. (Correct)

Because recommend shares a similar meaning with advise and suggest, non-native speakers and even native English writers mistakenly apply the same infinitive pattern to recommend.

75+ Original Examples Categorized by Context

To build deep familiarity with the correct structure, review these unique examples categorized across practical, professional, and academic situations.

1. Basic & Everyday Examples (15 Examples)

Correct (recommend doing):

1. I recommend starting your workday early to avoid distraction.
2. She recommends reading news from multiple reliable sources.
3. We recommend booking your train tickets in advance.
4. They recommended trying the local cuisine while traveling.
5. The mechanic recommended replacing the worn-out tires.
6. Experts recommend getting at least seven hours of sleep.
7. I highly recommend visiting the new museum downtown.
8. The host recommended arriving fifteen minutes before the show.
9. My friend recommended using a password manager for security.
10. The guide recommended carrying an umbrella during spring.

Incorrect vs. Correct Side-by-Side:

11. Incorrect: I recommend to print the document now.
    Correct: I recommend printing the document now.
12. Incorrect: She recommended to save your files frequently.
    Correct: She recommended saving your files frequently.
13. Incorrect: We recommend to check the weather forecast.
    Correct: We recommend checking the weather forecast.
14. Incorrect: The chef recommends to cook the steak on medium heat.
    Correct: The chef recommends cooking the steak on medium heat.
15. Incorrect: They recommend to take the bypass highway.
    Correct: They recommend taking the bypass highway.

2. Current Affairs, Media & Policy Examples (10 Examples)

1. The United Nations panel recommended reducing carbon emissions immediately.
2. Political analysts recommend verifying social media claims before sharing them.
3. Economic advisers recommended lowering interest rates to stimulate growth.
4. Defense officials recommend increasing cybersecurity spending across agencies.
5. The public health authority recommends distributing vaccines to rural clinics.
6. Energy experts recommend transitioning to solar power over the next decade.
7. Electoral observers recommended reforming voting procedures ahead of the election.
8. Financial journalists recommend monitoring market volatility closely this week.
9. Environmental groups recommended banning single-use plastics nationwide.
10. Trade negotiators recommend signing the bilateral agreement promptly.

3. Business & Professional Writing Examples (10 Examples)

1. The consulting firm recommended restructuring the marketing department.
2. I recommend adopting a remote-first work policy for new hires.
3. The CFO recommended allocating extra budget toward research and development.
4. Our legal team recommends reviewing the contract terms carefully.
5. The committee recommended postponing the product launch until Q3.
6. Analysts recommend diversifying the company’s investment portfolio.
7. Human Resources recommends conducting exit interviews with departing staff.
8. The project manager recommended using agile software management tools.
9. We recommend upgrading server infrastructure before the holiday rush.
10. The auditor recommended maintaining clearer financial documentation.

4. Professional Email Examples (10 Examples)

1. “Dear Team, I recommend reviewing the attached brief before our afternoon meeting.”
2. “Hi Sarah, I recommend contacting the vendor directly to expedite delivery.”
3. “Hello Alex, we recommend submitting your application prior to Friday’s deadline.”
4. “Dear Client, I recommend scheduling a quick call to clear up these details.”
5. “Hi Mark, I recommended holding off on public announcements until approval.”
6. “Dear Board Members, we recommend approving the revised budget proposal.”
7. “Hello Team, I recommend setting up two-factor authentication on all work accounts.”
8. “Hi David, I recommend following up with the media contact tomorrow morning.”
9. “Dear Stakeholders, the committee recommends extending the feedback period.”
10. “Hello Everyone, I recommend archiving old project files to clean up the shared drive.”

5. Academic & Research Writing Examples (10 Examples)

1. The researchers recommend conducting further longitudinal studies on the topic.
2. Peer reviewers recommended clarifying the methodology section in Chapter 3.
3. The paper recommends implementing stricter controls during data collection.
4. Historians recommend examining primary source documents from the era.
5. Sociologists recommend surveying a broader demographic distribution.
6. The study recommends combining quantitative data with qualitative interviews.
7. Academic advisers recommend declaring a major by the end of sophomore year.
8. The thesis committee recommended revising the literature review chapter.
9. Statistical models recommend adjusting variables for seasonal inflation.
10. Principal investigators recommend publishing the clinical trial findings open-access.

6. Student & ESL Learner Contexts (10 Examples)

1. Teachers recommend practicing English grammar exercises daily.
2. The tutor recommended focusing on vocabulary acquisition every week.
3. Language instructors recommend listening to news podcasts for pronunciation.
4. Study skills guides recommend taking organized notes during lectures.
5. Advisers recommend forming study groups before major midterms.
6. Writing centers recommend proofreading essays out loud before submission.
7. Educational specialists recommend limiting smartphone screen time while studying.
8. Test prep coaches recommend timing yourself during practice exams.
9. Librarians recommend using academic databases rather than search engines.
10. Counselors recommend balancing coursework with extracurricular activities.

7. Advanced & Complex Sentences (10 Examples)

1. Despite fiscal constraints, the panel recommended expanding infrastructure projects across rural provinces.
2. Having evaluated market trends, the economists recommended hedging against sudden currency devaluation.
3. Rather than rushing into litigation, corporate counsel recommended initiating mediation proceedings.
4. After assessing public sentiment, the administration recommended revising the proposed tax legislation.
5. To mitigate future supply chain disruptions, logistics experts recommended sourcing components locally.
6. Recognizing the environmental impact, the city council recommended improving public transit lines.
7. Following the audit findings, executive leadership recommended overhauling internal compliance protocols.
8. In light of new intelligence, security personnel recommended heightening airport screening procedures.
9. To foster innovation, the technology board recommended establishing incubation hubs for startups.
10. Concluding the safety review, inspectors recommended shutting down the facility temporarily.

Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Let’s review the most frequent errors writers make with recommend and see how to fix them instantly.

Mistake 1: Using the infinitive directly after “recommend”

• Incorrect: The doctor recommended to take a rest.
• Correct (Gerund): The doctor recommended taking a rest.
• Correct (That-Clause): The doctor recommended that I take a rest.

Mistake 2: Inserting an object pronoun + infinitive

• Incorrect: I recommend you to buy this book.
• Correct (Gerund): I recommend buying this book.
• Correct (That-Clause): I recommend that you buy this book.
• Alternative Verb: I advise you to buy this book.

Mistake 3: Conjugating the verb in a subjunctive “that” clause

In formal English, the verb following recommend + that + subject must remain in its base form.

• Incorrect: The policy recommends that he reads the terms.
• Correct: The policy recommends that he read the terms.

Memory Hacks & Rules of Thumb

To ensure you never make this mistake again, keep these quick memory tricks in mind:

1. The “ING” Rule for Advice:
   • Recommending = Doing
   • Think: “When you recommend, add -ing to the end!”
2. Swap with “Suggest”:
   • Suggest follows the exact same rule as recommend:
     • I suggest going home. (Correct)
     • I recommend going home. (Correct)
     • I suggest to go home. (Incorrect)
3. If you need “To”, switch to “Advise”:
   • If your brain really wants to use the [Person] + to + [Verb] structure, change the verb from recommend to advise:
     • I advise you to check the facts. (Correct)
     • I recommend checking the facts. (Correct)

Cheat Sheet (Summary)

===================================================================
                  RECOMMEND GRAMMAR CHEAT SHEET
===================================================================

[RULE 1] Recommend + Verb-ING
         --> "I recommend reading the news." (CORRECT)
         --> "I recommend to read the news." (INCORRECT)

[RULE 2] Recommend + THAT + Person + Base Verb
         --> "I recommend that she read the news." (CORRECT)
         --> "I recommend that she reads the news." (INCORRECT - Subjunctive)

[RULE 3] Recommend + Noun
         --> "I recommend this news article." (CORRECT)

[ALTERNATE] Advise + Person + TO + Verb
         --> "I advise you to read the news." (CORRECT)
===================================================================

Practice Exercises

Rewrite the following incorrect sentences using the correct grammar rule for recommend. (Choose between using a gerund or a that-clause).

1. The advisor recommended to invest in green technology.
2. I recommend you to double-check your figures before sending the invoice.
3. Health experts recommend to wash hands frequently during flu season.
4. She recommended him to apply for the editorial position.
5. The editor recommends to verify all quotes with primary sources.

5-Question Quiz

Test your understanding of recommend doing or recommend to do with this quick quiz.

Question 1: Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

• A) The editor recommended to hire two more journalists.
• B) The editor recommended hiring two more journalists.
• C) The editor recommended him to hire two more journalists.

Question 2: Which of the following is INCORRECT?

• A) I recommend taking notes during the conference.
• B) I recommend that he take notes during the conference.
• C) I recommend to take notes during the conference.

Question 3: Complete the sentence correctly: “The committee recommended _______ the policy changes immediately.”

• A) to implement
• B) implementing
• C) implemented

Question 4: Complete the sentence in formal English: “We recommend that every citizen _______ their vote.”

• A) cast
• B) casts
• C) to cast

Question 5: Which alternative verb structure is grammatically correct?

• A) I recommend you to call customer service.
• B) I advise you to call customer service.
• C) I suggest you to call customer service.

Answer Key

Practice Exercises Answers:

1. Correct: The advisor recommended investing in green technology. (Or: The advisor recommended that we invest in green technology.)
2. Correct: I recommend double-checking your figures before sending the invoice. (Or: I recommend that you double-check your figures…)
3. Correct: Health experts recommend washing hands frequently during flu season.
4. Correct: She recommended applying for the editorial position. (Or: She recommended that he apply for the editorial position.)
5. Correct: The editor recommends verifying all quotes with primary sources.

Quiz Answers:

1. B — The editor recommended hiring two more journalists. (Gerund pattern)
2. C — I recommend to take notes… is incorrect because recommend cannot be directly followed by an infinitive.
3. B — implementing (Gerund pattern)
4. A — cast (In formal English, the subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb after recommend that…).
5. B — I advise you to call customer service. (Advise takes an object + infinitive; recommend and suggest do not).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is “recommend to do” ever correct in English?

No. In standard modern English, recommend is never directly followed by an infinitive (to + verb). You should always use a gerund (recommend doing) or a subordinate clause (recommend that someone do).

2. What is the difference between “suggest” and “recommend”?

Both verbs follow the exact same grammatical rules. They are followed by gerunds (suggest doing / recommend doing) or that-clauses (suggest that / recommend that). The difference is purely semantic: recommend usually carries a slightly stronger sense of personal endorsement or expert authority than suggest.

3. Can I say “I recommend you to do something”?

In standard conversational and written English, “I recommend you to do something” is considered ungrammatical. Instead, say “I recommend that you do something” or “I advise you to do something.”

4. Why is the base verb used in “I recommend that he go”? Shouldn’t it be “he goes”?

When recommend is followed by a that-clause, English uses the subjunctive mood to express a recommendation, demand, or proposal. In the subjunctive mood, verbs always take their base form (e.g., go, be, take), regardless of whether the subject is he, she, or it.

5. Does “recommend doing” work in formal business emails?

Yes, recommend doing is standard, highly professional, and widely accepted in business, legal, academic, and journalistic contexts globally.

Conclusion

Mastering the difference between recommend doing or recommend to do is one of the quickest ways to elevate your writing clarity and authority.

Remember the core takeaway:

• Use recommend + gerund (recommend doing) when suggesting an action.
• Use recommend + that + subject + base verb when directing advice to a specific person.
• Never use recommend + infinitive (recommend to do).

By following these rules, your emails, news reports, academic essays, and daily communications will remain professional, polished, and accurate.

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Disclaimer

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes. The grammatical guidelines outlined reflect standard contemporary English usage across international professional, media, and academic environments.

Also READ: Suggest Doing or Suggest to Do? The Definitive Grammar Guide

Prefer Doing vs Prefer to Do: Grammar Rules, Structure & Examples

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