I recognize him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recognize him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are aware of someone or can identify them, often from a previous encounter. Example: "As soon as he walked into the room, I recognized him from the conference last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I recognize him from being round here.

The New York Times

But I recognize him as a superior athlete".

The New York Times - Sports

— Mark Twain Waitt, I think I recognize him from the bodega earlier.

The New Yorker

I recognize him as Al Scales Reynolds, a banker who is Star's fiancé (and no relation to me).

The New York Times - Style

"I am very conservative and do not agree with everything Mr Trump says or does, but I recognize him as the best candidate, and a great one at that," he said.

The Guardian

I would have put on a pleasant expression on the way up the subway steps, but Mike is too quick not to guess that, and evidently wishes to see my face when I recognize him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

I recognized him immediately.

The New York Times

I recognized him.

The New Yorker

"Oh, I recognized him," Mr. Colón, 36, said.

The New York Times

"I recognized him right away," she said.

The New York Times

And then she says, "I recognized him".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I recognize him" to indicate that you remember someone from a previous encounter or based on their appearance or characteristics. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I recognize him" when referring to abstract concepts or situations. "Recognize" implies identifying a person based on prior knowledge or experience, not understanding a concept. For example, it's incorrect to say "I recognize him in this situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recognize him" functions as a statement of identification. It indicates that the speaker is able to identify the person in question based on prior knowledge, experience, or observation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I recognize him" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that you are able to identify someone based on prior knowledge or experience. Ludwig's examples highlight its frequent use in news and media, as well as its suitability for various contexts. While alternatives like "I know who he is" or "I remember him" exist, "I recognize him" specifically emphasizes the act of identifying someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples of its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I know who he is

Focuses on knowing the identity rather than the act of recognition.

I am familiar with him

Implies a general awareness or acquaintance.

He looks familiar

Shifts the focus to the person's appearance triggering recognition.

I recall him

Highlights the act of remembering someone.

I've seen him before

Emphasizes having a visual memory of the person.

I place him

Suggests an attempt to connect the person to a specific time or place.

I remember his face

Specifically refers to recalling the person's facial features.

I can identify him

Stresses the ability to pinpoint the person among others.

I've met him

Indicates a previous introduction or encounter.

I seem to know him

Adds a sense of uncertainty about knowing the person.

FAQs

What does "I recognize him" mean?

It means you remember someone, can identify them, or know them from a previous meeting, description, or image.

Is it correct to say "I recognise him"?

Yes, "recognise" is the British English spelling of "recognize". Both "I recognize him" and "I recognise him" are grammatically correct, but the spelling should be consistent within a piece of writing.

What can I say instead of "I recognize him"?

You can use alternatives like "I know who he is", "I am familiar with him", or "I remember him" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "I recognize him"?

It's appropriate when you encounter someone you have seen or know about, and you are making a mental connection based on past experience or information. For example, "I recognize him from the neighborhood" or "I recognized him immediately from his pictures".