Guide 154 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “recommend”
Five verbs with different weights of recommendation.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Recommend" is the business-writing staple. "Advise" is more formal; "suggest" is lighter; "propose" is for plans; "endorse" is public support; "urge" carries force and urgency.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Advise formal
formal recommendation
We advise postponing the decision.
- 02Suggest neutral
soft, tentative
Suggest revisiting the scope first.
- 03Propose neutral
offer a plan or idea
Propose a two-stage rollout.
- 04Endorse formal
public support for a choice
Endorse the selected vendor.
- 05Urge neutral
force and urgency
Urge the committee to move before audit.