Useful Phrases for Recommendation Letters

If you want to see other examples check out Sample Letters of Reference

Good Introductions

First, you need to express your positive feeling about writing the letter. Then explain how long you have known the person and what your relationship has been (supervisor, teacher, co-worker).

Sentences:

I am delighted to be called upon as a reference for John Smart. I first became acquainted with Mr. Smart in 1992, when he joined the...

Mr. Smart has asked me to write a letter of recommendation to accompany his application for PhD program in Physics at MIT. I am very pleased to do so.

It has been a pleasure to be Mr. Smart's supervisor since 1990.

I am happy to write this letter of recommendation for Steven Smart. In this letter I would like to express my respect and appreciation for this bright young person, who brought outstanding contribution to the work of my group.

I have no hesitancy in writing a letter of recommendation for Mr. Smart.

It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for as Ms. Smart.

I have known Ms. Smart since 1993, when she enrolled in my accounting class.

I was Mr. Smart's teacher in two advanced quantum mechanics classes during winter semester, 1995.

Phrases:

am honored to support him as a candidate

am pleased to provide a reference for

am delighted to be called upon

am happy to recommend

am pleased to comment on

can offer only the highest recommendation for

first became acquainted with

first came to my attention when

has worked directly under my supervision

has been a pleasure to supervise

have known Ms. Doe for

have no hesitation in recommending

have been his supervisor since

her performance as a

his qualifications and performance

have had the opportunity to

in the past two years

is a pleasure to recommend

was a student in two of my classes

Describing Person's Qualifications

Discuss the person's qualifications for the graduate study in the chosen field. Statements of past performance, accomplishments, and contributions are helpful. The more relevant the items mentioned, and the greater the detail, the better your letter will communicate your positive recommendation. General comments provide a neutral recommendation or suggest that you do not really recommend the person highly.

Sentences:

Since the beginning of our collaboration I know him as an energetic and goal-oriented person.

Some of the main Irina’s attributes are her persistence and diligence sometimes even ranging with obsession with work.

He grasps new concepts quickly and accepts constructive criticism and instruction concerning his work.

While she was with us she supervised the maintenance of all computer networks. This responsibility involved working with 42 separate offices.

He has proactively joined research at our institute.

I would like to mention here, that John is accurate and thorough in his research, pays attention to details and has no dread of routine work.

His extraordinary ability to analyze problems and outline necessary courses of action was invaluable.

In a class of thirty, he completed the course with the second highest grade.

That was mostly due to her assiduity and devotion to work that she was soon able to proceed with actual experiments.

I would like to say that it is pleasant to work with Michael, he is reliable and intelligent person with good sense of humor.

Her greatest talent is in developing innovations for new products.

John always takes an active part in scientific discussions, demonstrating maturity, strong ability to defend his ideas while paying careful attention to opponent’s remarks.

She finishes her work on schedule. When she has a concern or question about an assignment, she speaks her mind clearly and directly, giving voice to what others may feel but cannot or will not say.

From our collaboration I can conclude that George has a strong motivation for scientific work. He is a focused and determined person.

Phrases:

a creative problem-solver

always cheerful and dependable

always behaves professionally

broad range of skills

can attest to his integrity

careful attention to detail

comments are well thought out and clearly articulated

communicates her ideas clearly

communicates effectively in writing

completely loyal and trustworthy

demonstrated particular strengths in

follows tasks through to completion

gets along well with others

handles responsibility well

has a take-charge personality

has a flair for organization

her sensitivity and concern for others

is innovative and creative

is a tireless worker

is mature beyond her years

is intelligent and ambitious

is personable and easy to work with

keeps calm under pressure

meticulous attention to detail

one of our finest, most well-rounded undergraduates

outstanding leadership abilities

punctual and hard working

self-motivated individual

wide-range knowledge of

willing to go beyond what is required

willing to take on new responsibilities

works efficiently and effectively

works independently and effectively

works well with little supervision

Good Endings

Close with a clear statement of your recommendation and a willingness to cooperate further.

Sentences:

Mr. Bright will be a great addition to your program. If I can further assist, please e-mail or call me.

Jane Bright has my strong recommendation. She will be a credit to your program.

I am confident that Mr. Bright will continue to be very productive. He has my highest recommendation.

I give her my highest recommendation, without reservation. Please send e-mail or call me if you have further questions.

I believe in John’s outstanding abilities for scientific work and strongly recommend him for further education at your university, where he can develop and apply his bright talents.

It is satisfying to be able to give him my highest recommendation. I hope this information proves helpful.

I enthusiastically recommend Mr. Bright as a promising candidate.

Seldom have I been able to recommend someone without reservation. It is a pleasure to do so in the case of John Bright.

I will be pleased to answer any additional questions you may have.

I am very interested in Mr. Bright's application and will be happy to provide further information.

Phrases:

every confidence in her ability to

give my unqualified recommendation

has always proved satisfactory

has my highest recommendation

have admiration and respect for

have no reservations in

hope this information proves helpful

if I can further assist

if you have further questions

if you need additional information

if you would like more information

recommend without reservation

recommend her very highly

request your favorable consideration of

should be given serious consideration

should you have any questions

will meet your expectations

will be successful in any enterprise he undertakes

will be a credit to your

will measure up to your high standards

will be a great addition to

would be an asset to your program

would be a valuable addition to