I can recognise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can recognise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the ability to identify or acknowledge something or someone. Example: "I can recognise the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

As Adam Michnik told Mr Kurlansky: "I can recognise a sixty-eighter in a second.

The Economist

Anyway, even if not to my taste, I can recognise quality in a breakfast.

Independent

I can recognise FCO drafting when I see it - such an elegant phrase.

The Guardian

I can recognise the sequence of different experiences in one's life".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Not explicitly, but in a way that only I can recognise.

The Guardian

"I can recognise, travelling around the continent, that there is no standard reaction.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I do faintly recollect an amount of light, but I couldn't describe it as a blinding light or any particular colour, and it was also accompanied after the immediacy of the blast with what sounded like a very heavy rain shower which I now can recognise as pieces of debris landing on the train that I was on.

Independent

I strive to retain the same spirit in my music too and I think they can recognise that.

Vice

"I think everyone can recognise the contribution of Tom this season, both as a goalscorer and through his hard work for the team," Vale manager Micky Adams told the club website. .

BBC

Today I feel maternal and can recognise parenting traits that have helped form them. Nowhere is this more visible than with interns.

The Times

I hope that over time people can recognise my character.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can recognise" when you want to express your ability to identify something based on prior knowledge or experience. For instance, "I can recognise the signs of burnout in my team."

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "I can recognise" in formal reports or academic papers can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "I am able to identify" or "I can discern" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can recognise" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's ability or capacity to identify or perceive something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples, indicating its role in conveying a personal capability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

This analysis explored the phrase "I can recognise", confirming through Ludwig AI that it is grammatically sound and commonly used. This expression conveys the speaker's ability to identify something based on prior knowledge or perception. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, varying your language in highly formal writing can enhance clarity and avoid repetition. With its widespread applicability and simple structure, "I can recognise" is a valuable component of everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am able to identify

Emphasizes ability instead of direct recognition.

I can discern

Uses a more formal verb for 'recognise'.

I can make out

Suggests a more challenging form of recognition, like seeing something in poor conditions.

I am capable of identifying

Highlights the capability to identify something.

I can distinguish

Focuses on differentiating between multiple options.

I am able to perceive

Implies sensory awareness and understanding.

I can detect

Suggests noticing something subtle or hidden.

I can tell

A simpler, more informal way of saying "I can recognise".

I am aware of

Highlights consciousness and acknowledgement.

I can appreciate

Implies understanding and valuing something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I can recognise"?

You can use alternatives like "I am able to identify", "I can discern", or "I am aware of" depending on the context.

Is "I can recognize" or "I can recognise" correct?

Both spellings are correct, but "recognise" is more common in British English, while "recognize" is more common in American English. The meaning remains the same.

How to use "I can recognise" in a sentence?

You can use "I can recognise" to express your ability to identify something: "I can recognise the symptoms of a cold" or "I can recognise his voice anywhere".

What's the difference between "I can recognise" and "I know"?

While both express understanding, "I can recognise" implies an ability to identify something based on specific characteristics or prior experience, whereas "I know" is a more general statement of knowledge. For example, you might say "I know the answer" but "I can recognise the signs of fatigue".