Acknowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Acknowledge" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to recognize or admit the existence or truth of something. Example: "I would like to acknowledge the contributions of my team." Alternative expressions include "Recognize" and "Admit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We acknowledge that.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have to acknowledge that pre-1788, this land was as Aboriginal then as it is Australian now and until we have acknowledged that, we will be an incomplete nation and a torn people.

The Guardian - Opinion

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and pay our respects to the Elders past and present.

The Guardian

His heroism had been forgotten, but doing something like this means you give the person whose life was cut short another chance, and you acknowledge the part their life played in the next chapter of your family's story".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

"The fact that Indonesia for a long time refused to even acknowledge that there was a double standard in their insistence that Australia was infringing their sovereignty by appealing for clemency, while at the same time appealing for clemency for its own citizens facing the death penalty in other countries, that has been really quite damaging from Australia's point of view," he said.

The Guardian

For all the optimism, church insiders privately acknowledge the decline of what are often already tiny rural churches means something will have to change.

The Guardian

But David Cameron's too tipsy on the fracking kool-aid to acknowledge biogas's potential.

The Guardian

"Most came back and said: 'Wow, I haven't had something like this since I left the police academy.'" "We have been intoxicated with bad policing in America for a long time," says borough president Adams, "and we have refused to acknowledge that drunkenness.

The Guardian

"On behalf of the Australian government I acknowledge the passing of Neville Wran AC CNZM QC," the prime minister said on Monday.

The Guardian

Frood is quick to acknowledge that she's in a fortunate position.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When responding to criticism or feedback, start by acknowledging the other person's perspective to foster a constructive dialogue.

Common error

Do not use "acknowledge" when you mean the noun form. For example, say "I received an "acknowledgment"" instead of "I received an acknowledge". Note that both "acknowledgment" and "acknowledgement" are correct spellings.

Linguistic Context

As a transitive verb, "acknowledge" functions as a way to link a subject with a recognized object or fact. In the data provided by Ludwig, it often precedes a "that" clause (e.g., "acknowledge that things are changing") or a direct noun phrase (e.g., "acknowledge the passing of").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Social Issues

10%

Less common in

Informal Conversation

5%

Poetry

2%

Technical Manuals

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Based on the extensive data from Ludwig, "acknowledge" is a highly versatile and essential verb in the English language. It serves as a bridge between awareness and action, whether one is confirming an email, recognizing a historical truth or validating a colleague's efforts. The high frequency of usage in elite publications like The Guardian and The New York Times confirms its status as a reliable tool for precise communication. When using "acknowledge", you are choosing a word that carries authority and clarity, making it indispensable for professional and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize

Focuses on identifying or giving official status to something rather than just admitting its truth

admit

Often carries a connotation of confessing something that was previously hidden or is somewhat negative

concede

Used specifically when yielding a point in an argument or admitting defeat

grant

Implies a formal agreement that a certain fact is true

validate

Specifically means to confirm the validity or worth of a statement or feeling

confirm

Used when verifying the receipt of something or the truth of a suspicion

accept

Broader term implying one has processed and agreed to a reality

own

Informal usage meaning to take responsibility for an action or truth

appreciate

Used when acknowledging the value or quality of something with gratitude

avow

A very formal or literary way to declare something openly

FAQs

How do I use "acknowledge" in a professional email?

You can use it to confirm receipt by saying, "I would like to "acknowledge receipt of" your email" or simply, "Thank you for your message; I "acknowledge the" points you raised".

What is the difference between "acknowledge" and "admit"?

While both mean to accept a truth, to "admit" often suggests a level of reluctance or confessing a fault, whereas "acknowledge" is more neutral and simply means to recognize existence or truth.

Is "acknowledgement" or "acknowledgment" more correct?

Both are correct. "Acknowledgment" is more common in American English, while "acknowledgement" is frequently used in British English. Both forms serve as the noun for the verb "acknowledge".

What can I say instead of "acknowledge" to show gratitude?

If you want to express thanks, you might use alternatives like "appreciate", "recognize", or "give thanks for" depending on the formality of the situation.