I must recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I must recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to acknowledge or admit something, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "I must recognize the hard work and dedication of our team in achieving this milestone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It represents the culmination of an ambition that has its roots in my family history and is the latest manifestation of what I must recognize as something of an obsession of mine: the First World War.

The New York Times

Because that scenario doesn't "make sense", he thinks, I must recognize myself directly, without any identifying information.

SEP

To be sure, I must recognize the fit between the two, but this recognition is not a further, cognitively independent judgment, which would then require further independent justification, but is instead cognitively guided by and based on those experiences themselves" (BonJour 2006, 745-46).

SEP

"I must recognize that I did exaggerate about [some things], yes," said Guerra.

Vice

I must recognize the fight will go on without me, whether I participate or not.

Huffington Post

In hope for perfection, I must recognize that I am still the midst of growing up.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

-ELIZABETH I We must recognize that every nation determines its policies in terms of its own interests.

Forbes

However, before my small gov't readers get too excited, I say we must recognize our obligations (not our limitations) and take decisive action to create the financial resources to meet them.

Huffington Post

In order to escape, as I have, they must recognize that they have given their lives to an organization that has been promising an immediate end to this world for countless generations, and that the religious hierarchy of the Jehovah's Witnesses have depended on the reluctance of their members to recognize that it was all a lie.

Huffington Post

The plasmid must serve as a template for host replication factors, namely DNA gyrase, DNA ligase, RNA polymerase, DNA polymerase I, and DNA polymerase III; the host ribosome must recognize the ribosome binding site of the repA transcript.

Plosone

"The news of the Stockholm tribunal's decision is one of the most unpleasant which I as prime minister must recognize," Mr. Spidla told reporters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I must recognize" when you want to formally acknowledge a fact, situation, or achievement, especially when emphasizing the importance of doing so.

Common error

Avoid using "I must recognize" in casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "I should mention" or "I need to remember".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I must recognize" functions as a declarative statement used to formally acknowledge or admit something. It indicates a sense of obligation or necessity on the part of the speaker or writer. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I must recognize" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, most appropriately deployed in formal or professional contexts. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase serves to formally acknowledge or admit something, often with a sense of obligation or necessity. While versatile, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual conversation to prevent sounding overly formal. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases such as "I have to acknowledge" or "I am compelled to admit" to suit the specific nuance required. The phrase is found to be most commonly in "News & Media" and "Science".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have to acknowledge

Replaces "must" with "have to", indicating a necessity but potentially with less formality.

I feel obliged to recognise

Expresses a sense of internal pressure or duty to acknowledge something.

I am compelled to admit

Emphasizes a feeling of being forced to acknowledge something, often reluctantly.

I am bound to admit

Similar to 'compelled' but with a sense of being legally or morally restricted.

I am duty-bound to acknowledge

Implies a moral or ethical obligation to recognize something.

It is imperative that I acknowledge

Highlights the urgency and importance of the acknowledgment.

I'm required to concede

This suggests there is an external expectation or rule obligating the speaker to make the admission.

I am obligated to concede

Indicates a formal or legal obligation to admit something.

I need to concede

This indicates that conceding is a necessity, perhaps to progress or to maintain accuracy.

I should take note of

Suggests paying attention to or considering something important.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "I must recognize" in writing?

Use "I must recognize" when you need to formally acknowledge something important, such as achievements, facts, or obligations. It's suitable for formal reports, speeches, and professional correspondence.

What are some alternative phrases for "I must recognize" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "I have to acknowledge", "I am compelled to admit", or "It is imperative that I acknowledge" depending on the specific context.

Is "I must recognise" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I must recognise" is grammatically correct. "Recognise" is the British English spelling, while "recognize" is the American English spelling. Both are acceptable depending on the region.

How does "I must recognize" differ from "I should recognize"?

"I must recognize" implies a stronger sense of obligation or necessity, whereas "I should recognize" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The former indicates something essential, while the latter is a suggestion.