Daily English Day 12: Asking for Recommendations

When traveling, shopping, dining, or meeting new people, one of the most useful skills in English is asking for recommendations. Recommendations help you discover the best food at a restaurant, the best hotel in town, the most reliable service, or even the best book to read. Learning how to confidently ask for and respond to recommendations will make your English more practical and help you connect better with locals.

In this lesson, we will cover:

• Why asking for recommendations is important

• Key phrases and expressions to use

• Different situations where recommendations are useful

• Sample dialogues for real-life practice

• Tips to sound polite and natural

• Practice exercises

Why Asking for Recommendations Matters

When you are in a new place, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do or where to go. Locals usually know the best options, and asking for recommendations is the fastest way to get authentic, useful advice.

For example:

• At a restaurant: “What do you recommend here?”

• At a bookstore: “Could you suggest a good novel for beginners?”

• In a new city: “Do you know a nice place to visit around here?”

By asking for recommendations, you not only save time and avoid mistakes, but you also create a chance for conversation. People enjoy giving advice, and this often leads to more friendly interactions.

Key Phrases for Asking Recommendations

Here are some useful ways to ask:

1. General questions

• What do you recommend?

• Do you have any suggestions?

• Could you recommend something?

• What’s good here?

2. Food and drink

• What’s the most popular dish?

• Which drink would you recommend?

• Is there a local specialty I should try?

3. Travel and sightseeing

• Do you know any good places to visit around here?

• Can you suggest a fun activity nearby?

• Where’s the best place to watch the sunset?

4. Shopping and services

• Can you recommend a good hair salon in this area?

• Do you know a good place to buy souvenirs?

• Which brand is the most reliable?

5. Books, movies, or music

• Could you suggest a good book to read?

• What movie do you recommend?

• Do you have a favorite song or artist?

Polite Expressions

To sound more polite, you can add words like please, could you, or would you mind.

Examples:

• Could you recommend a nice restaurant nearby, please?

• Would you mind suggesting a good hotel around here?

• I’m not sure what to choose. Do you have any suggestions?

Adding politeness makes people more willing to help.

How to Respond to Recommendations

When someone gives you advice, you can respond with appreciation:

• Thank you, that sounds great.

• I’ll try that, thanks!

• That’s exactly what I was looking for.

• I appreciate your suggestion.

If you don’t want to follow their suggestion, you can still be polite:

• Thanks for the suggestion, but I think I’ll try something else.

• I’m not sure if that’s for me, but I appreciate your help.

Situational Dialogues

1. At a Restaurant

Customer: Excuse me, what do you recommend here?
Waiter: The seafood pasta is very popular, and the grilled chicken is also a favorite.
Customer: I’ll try the seafood pasta. Thanks!

2. Shopping

Traveler: Can you recommend a good place to buy souvenirs?
Shop Assistant: Yes, there’s a local market two blocks away. They have handmade crafts.
Traveler: Perfect! I’ll go there.

3. Traveling

Tourist: Do you know a good place to watch the sunset?
Local: Yes, you should go to Tops Lookout. The view is amazing.
Tourist: Great, thank you so much.

4. Books and Movies

Friend A: I want to read something easy in English. Do you have any recommendations?
Friend B: Yes, try “The Little Prince.” It’s simple but meaningful.
Friend A: Sounds interesting. Thanks!

Tips to Sound Natural

1. Smile and use a friendly tone – This makes your request warmer.

2. Be specific if possible – Instead of just “What do you recommend?”, say “What dessert do you recommend here?”

3. Show gratitude – Always thank the person for their suggestion.

4. Repeat the recommendation – This shows you listened. For example:

   • “You recommend the seafood pasta, right? Okay, I’ll try it.”

Practice Exercise

Try these role-play scenarios with a partner or practice out loud:

1. Scenario A: At a Café
   You want to try a new drink. Ask the barista for a recommendation.

2. Scenario B: At a Tourist Spot
   You meet a local person. Ask them about the best activity in the area.

3. Scenario C: At a Bookstore
   You want to improve your English. Ask the shop assistant for a good book to read.

4. Scenario D: At a Shopping Mall
   You want to buy shoes. Ask the staff for their best-selling product.

Extended Vocabulary for Recommendations

• Suggestion

• Advice

• Popular

• Famous

• Specialty

• Local favorite

• Worth trying

• Must-see / Must-try

These words will help you understand answers more clearly.

Cultural Notes

• In some cultures, people may give recommendations based on politeness, not personal taste.

• In Western cultures, people usually give honest personal recommendations.

• In Asian cultures, people might recommend something safe or popular to avoid disappointment.

Understanding these differences will help you interpret recommendations better.

Quick Review Quiz

1. How do you politely ask for a food recommendation at a restaurant?

2. What should you say if you like someone’s suggestion?

3. How can you ask about sightseeing recommendations?

4. Why is it useful to repeat the recommendation?

(Answers: 1. Could you recommend a dish, please? 2. Thank you, that sounds great. 3. Do you know any good places to visit around here? 4. It shows you listened and confirms the choice.)

Conclusion

Asking for recommendations is a valuable skill for travelers, learners, and anyone living in a new environment. It helps you discover the best experiences while practicing natural English conversation. Use the key phrases, be polite, and always show gratitude. With practice, you’ll feel more confident and connected in English-speaking situations.

What does “asking for recommendations” mean in everyday English?

Asking for recommendations means requesting someone’s opinion about the best choice among several options. You might ask a waiter what dish is most popular, a local where to watch the sunset, or a friend which book is easiest for learners. The goal is to save time, avoid bad choices, and benefit from another person’s experience or local knowledge.

When should I ask for a recommendation instead of searching online?

Ask people when you want fresh, local, or personalized advice. For example, a barista knows which seasonal drink tastes best today, and hotel staff can suggest a reliable taxi service at your arrival time. Use online search for broad research; ask humans for context, nuance, and up-to-the-minute tips that apps often miss.

How can I politely ask for a recommendation at a restaurant?

Use a friendly opener and a clear request. Try: “Excuse me, could you recommend a signature dish?” or “What’s your most popular entrée?” Add context if you have preferences: “I’d like something not too spicy,” or “I prefer vegetarian options.” A short dialogue: Customer: “What do you recommend here?” Server: “The grilled salmon is our best seller.” Customer: “Great—I’ll have that, please.”

What’s the difference between “recommend” and “suggest”?

Both are close, but “recommend” is slightly stronger and often implies experience or expertise: “I recommend the chicken curry.” “Suggest” sounds softer and more exploratory: “I’d suggest trying the curry if you like spicy food.” In formal settings—doctors, consultants, teachers—“recommend” is more common. Among friends, both are fine.

How do I make my question specific to get a better answer?

Include your goal, limits, and preferences. Use a simple frame: Goal + Constraint + Preference. For example: “Could you recommend a quiet café (goal) within walking distance (constraint) that has strong Wi-Fi (preference)?” Specific details help the other person filter options quickly and give you a more accurate recommendation.

What phrases help me sound extra polite and natural?

Combine softeners and thanks: “Hi there, could you possibly recommend…?” / “If you have a moment, do you have any suggestions for…?” / “I’d really appreciate your advice on….” Close with gratitude: “Thanks, that’s really helpful.” These moves make your request respectful without being overly formal.

How can I ask locals for places without sounding like a tourist?

Show interest and respect for their area. Say, “I’m new here and would love your local advice. Where do you go for the best street food?” Avoid demanding language and keep your questions short. If they share tips, acknowledge them: “That sounds great—I’ll check it out. Thanks for the insider tip!”

What if I have dietary needs or restrictions?

State them clearly and positively: “I’m vegetarian. Could you recommend a main dish without meat?” or “I’m allergic to peanuts—what safe options do you recommend?” If you’re unsure, ask for clarification: “Does this dish contain nuts or shellfish?” Polite, direct information helps staff protect your health and deliver a good experience.

How do I respond when I like the recommendation?

Accept warmly and repeat key details to confirm: “Perfect, I’ll try the mushroom risotto. Thanks for the recommendation.” You can also add appreciation after trying it: “That was excellent—thanks again!” Positive feedback builds rapport and encourages people to help you in the future.

How do I decline a recommendation without sounding rude?

Thank the person first, then offer a brief reason or alternative: “Thanks for the suggestion. I’m avoiding caffeine today, so I’ll go with a herbal tea.” Or keep it general: “I appreciate the tip, but I’ll try something lighter.” This approach respects their effort while maintaining your preferences.

How can I ask about price, time, or difficulty while requesting a recommendation?

Blend your constraint into the question: “Could you recommend a budget-friendly lunch under $10?” / “What museum would you recommend if I only have an hour?” / “I’m a beginner—what hiking trail do you recommend that’s not too difficult?” Constraints guide the answer and reduce back-and-forth.

What strategies help me compare two or three recommendations?

Ask for a quick contrast using clear criteria: “Between the seafood pasta and the steak, which is lighter?” or “Which hotel is quieter at night?” You can also request pros and cons: “What are the pros and cons of taking the bus versus a taxi to the airport?” This invites a balanced, decision-ready summary.

What are common mistakes learners make when asking for recommendations?

Typical errors include being too vague (“What’s good?”), forgetting context (“I’m gluten-free”), or sounding too direct (“Tell me the best”). Fix them by adding purpose and tone: “I’m looking for a quick lunch near here—could you recommend a place that’s not too crowded?” Also, remember to say “please” and “thank you.”

How do cultural expectations affect recommendation questions?

In some cultures, people are more direct and will share strong personal opinions. In others, advisers may choose safe, popular options to avoid disappointing you. To adapt, invite honesty: “I don’t mind spicy food—what would you choose?” or widen the choices: “If I wanted something adventurous, what would you recommend?”

Which verbs and patterns should I memorize?

Useful patterns include: “What do you recommend for…?”, “Could you recommend…?”, “Do you have any suggestions for…?”, “What would you choose if…?”, “Where do locals go for…?”, and “I’m torn between A and B—what do you think?” Practice these aloud so they sound natural in real situations.

How can I ask for book, movie, or music recommendations?

Give your mood, level, or theme: “Could you recommend an easy English novel with short chapters?” / “I like feel-good movies—any recommendations?” / “What upbeat playlists do you suggest for studying?” If you enjoy the pick, follow up: “I loved that film. Do you have a similar recommendation?”

How do I confirm details to avoid misunderstandings?

Restate the recommendation and check one key point: “So you recommend the lemon tart, and it’s not too sweet, right?” / “You said Bus 15 goes directly to the museum—does it run on Sundays?” Confirmation prevents small errors from becoming bigger problems, especially with schedules and ingredients.

What mini-dialogue templates can I copy for quick use?

Food: “Hi, I can’t decide. Could you recommend a light main course?” — “Our grilled fish is popular.” — “Great, I’ll have that, please.”
Travel: “I have two hours. What would you recommend nearby?” — “The waterfront walk is perfect.” — “Thanks! Is it easy to find?”
Shopping: “Could you suggest a durable backpack under $60?” — “This brand lasts longest.” — “I’ll take a look, thank you.”

Can I ask for recommendations by message or online chat?

Yes—use short paragraphs with context and questions. Example: “Hi! Visiting this weekend. Any coffee shops near the museum with good Wi-Fi and quiet seating? Budget around $5 per drink. Thanks!” This gives location, purpose, and price, making it easy for friends or locals to answer quickly.

How do I recommend something to someone else?

Use a clear reason and, if helpful, a comparison: “I recommend the night market because the prices are fair and the food is fresh.” / “I’d suggest the riverside path; it’s less crowded than the main trail.” Offering a reason builds trust and helps the listener decide faster.

What phrases show appreciation when someone helps me?

Try: “Thanks, that’s exactly what I needed.” / “I appreciate your advice.” / “Your recommendation made my day.” You can also add a follow-up promise: “I’ll let you know how it goes.” Gratitude encourages ongoing support and makes future requests easier.

How can I practice asking for recommendations?

Create short role-plays with a partner: (1) Restaurant with dietary limits, (2) One-day city tour, (3) Bookstore for language learners, (4) Electronics shop with a strict budget. Record yourself, notice your tone, and add a softener (“Could you possibly…”) plus a clear constraint (budget, time, or preference).

What “pros and cons” questions help me make a final decision?

Use targeted comparisons: “What are the pros and cons of the bus versus a rideshare at night?” / “Is the boutique hotel worth the extra cost compared with the hostel?” / “If I skip the museum and take the boat tour, what might I miss?” Answers to these questions highlight trade-offs so you can choose confidently.

Quick checklist before you ask

1) State your goal. 2) Add one constraint (budget, time, diet, distance). 3) Use a softener (“Could you…”). 4) Confirm details. 5) Express thanks. Example: “Could you recommend a quiet, affordable lunch spot within 10 minutes’ walk? I’ve got a meeting at 1 p.m. Thanks so much!” This five-step flow keeps your request clear, polite, and effective.

Daily English Guide for Beginners: Speak with Confidence Every Day