tilrådes

Tilrådes is a passive verb form used in Danish and Norwegian (and with cognate forms in other Scandinavian languages) to express that something is advisable or recommended. It functions as an impersonal construction, often placed at the beginning of a clause, and is commonly found in official guidelines, medical advisories, and formal recommendations. The sense conveyed is neutral and advisory rather than imperative.

Etymology and forms: Tilrådes derives from the verb tilråde, meaning to advise or recommend, combined with the passive marker -s. The stem råde itself comes from the Old Norse ráða, meaning to advise or counsel. In Norwegian and Danish, tilrådes is used to indicate that a particular course of action is advised for generally accepted reasons, without specifying a subject who gives the advice.

Usage and grammar: The phrase typically appears with an infinitive clause following, such as det tilrådes å ta forholdsregler (it is advised to take precautions) or det tilrådes at man følger retningslinjene (it is recommended that one follow the guidelines). The construction is formal and is widely used in guidelines, policy texts, and medical or safety communications. In Swedish, a closely related form is tillrådas, used in a similar impersonal sense.

Related terms: The verb tilråde (to advise) is the active counterpart, while rekommendera and rekommendation are common equivalents in other Scandinavian languages. Råd (advice) is the root concept behind tilråde and tilrådes.

See also: adviseren, rådføre seg, rekommendera, rekommendation.