I recognised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recognised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have identified or acknowledged someone or something from memory or previous experience. Example: "As I walked through the crowd, I recognised an old friend from high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I recognised the driver.

Independent

Because I recognised that hand.

Independent

I recognised myself immediately.

The Guardian - Arts

I recognised her.

The Guardian - Books

I recognised that.

The Guardian - Books

I recognised him.

The Guardian

This man I recognised.

The Guardian

I recognised so much".

The Guardian - Books

I recognised William Golding.

The Guardian - Books

I recognised her underwear.

The Guardian

- I recognised you.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I recognised", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what or whom you recognised. For example, "I recognised the melody from my childhood." Also, verify that 'recognised' is spelled with an 's' in British English and with a 'z' in American English.

Common error

Avoid using "I recognised" when "I remember" or "I recall" is more appropriate. "I recognised" implies identifying something familiar, whereas "I remember" simply means recalling it from memory without necessarily a moment of identification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recognised" primarily functions as a declarative statement, where the speaker expresses that they identified or acknowledged something or someone based on past experience or memory. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts, from recognizing a person to a feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I recognised" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the identification of something or someone familiar. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it precisely to indicate a moment of recognition rather than simple recall. Alternatives such as "I identified" or "I realized" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. When using "I recognised", ensure that it aligns with British English spelling conventions, while "recognized" is used in American English. Overall, "I recognised" is a reliable phrase for expressing a connection between present and past experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I identified

Focuses on the act of pinpointing or establishing what something is.

I realized

Indicates a moment of understanding or becoming aware.

I noticed

Emphasizes the act of observing or becoming aware of something.

I perceived

Highlights the sensory or intuitive understanding of something.

I discerned

Implies a careful or subtle act of recognizing something.

I understood

Highlights the comprehension of something.

I was familiar with

Suggests prior knowledge or experience.

I knew

Indicates having previous awareness or information.

It dawned on me

Implies a sudden realization or understanding.

I was cognizant of

Highlights a formal or heightened awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "I recognised" in a sentence?

Use "I recognised" when you want to express that you identified someone or something familiar. For example, "I recognised her voice immediately" or "I recognised the building from the photographs".

What can I say instead of "I recognised"?

You can use alternatives like "I identified", "I realized", or "I noticed" depending on the context.

Is "recognized" or "recognised" correct?

"Recognized" is the spelling used in American English, while "recognised" is the spelling used in British English. Both are correct depending on the region.

What is the difference between "I recognised" and "I remembered"?

"I recognised" implies that you identified something familiar upon seeing or hearing it. "I remembered", on the other hand, simply means that you recalled something from your memory. For example: "I recognised her face" vs "I remembered her birthday".