Commend:
* Means to praise or express approval of someone or something. It emphasizes admiration and positive recognition.
* Focuses on the positive qualities or actions of the person or thing being commended.
* Example: "The teacher commended the student for her hard work."
Recommend:
* Means to suggest someone or something as suitable or desirable. It implies a suggestion for consideration.
* Focuses on advocating for something or someone based on their suitability.
* Example: "I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history."
Here's a simple way to remember the difference:
* Commend = Praise
* Recommend = Suggest
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:
* Commend: "I commend you for your courage."
* Recommend: "I recommend trying the chicken parmesan at that new restaurant."
In short: You commend someone for their actions or qualities, and you recommend something or someone for their suitability.