ability to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's skill or capacity to identify or acknowledge something, such as a pattern, emotion, or object. Example: "Her ability to recognize subtle changes in her students' behavior makes her an exceptional teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the ability to recognize an opportunity.

The New York Times

"Our ability to recognize what's right".

The New Yorker

Depression affects person's ability to recognize emotions.

Journal of Affective Disorders

They insisted on their own ability to recognize false doctrine.

The New Yorker

Why was she losing her ability to recognize objects?

The New Yorker

Adults' ability to recognize individual faces is shaped by experience.

Vision Research

The biggest change in Payton, Manager Bobby Valentine said, is his ability to recognize breaking pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

"Many people are lacking an ability to recognize the cues that they are secure.

The New York Times

In humans, some ability to recognize faces is present at birth or soon after.

The New Yorker

But their ability to recognize this loss, let alone vocalize it, is very limited.

The Guardian

Super Mario requires an ability to recognize patterns, considerable hand-eye coördination, and quick reflexes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ability to recognize", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being recognized. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to recognize" without a clear object. Instead of saying "He has the ability to recognize", specify what he can recognize, such as "He has the ability to recognize patterns in data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to recognize" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or potential to identify or discern something, as Ludwig examples illustrate, ranging from recognizing opportunities to emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to recognize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, that conveys the capacity to identify or discern. It functions as a noun phrase and is most common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While versatile, clarity is key; always specify what is being recognized to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "capacity to identify" or "skill in recognizing" offer nuanced variations for different contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples from Ludwig, this phrase holds considerable importance in expressing human and machine capabilities across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to identify

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "recognize" with "identify", focusing on the inherent potential or skill.

skill in recognizing

Emphasizes the learned expertise in the act of recognition.

aptitude for recognizing

Highlights a natural talent or inclination towards recognition.

power to discern

Suggests a strength or authority in distinguishing or perceiving.

talent for identification

Focuses on talent, switching from the verb "recognizing" to the noun "identification".

knack for detecting

Implies an intuitive or acquired ease in finding or noticing.

facility in perceiving

Suggests ease or fluency in the act of perceiving.

expertise in identifying

Highlights specialized knowledge or skill in identification.

competence in discerning

Emphasizes the qualified or capable nature of the act of discerning.

discernment skill

Condenses the phrase to focus on the skill of discernment as the primary attribute.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to recognize" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to recognize" to describe someone's capacity to identify or acknowledge something. For example, "Her "ability to recognize emotions" makes her an excellent therapist."

What's a more formal alternative to "ability to recognize"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "capacity to identify" or "skill in recognizing" as alternatives to "ability to recognize".

Is there a difference between "ability to recognize" and "skill to recognize"?

"Ability" refers to a general aptitude or potential, while "skill" implies a learned or developed proficiency. While similar, "skill" often suggests more experience or training than "ability".

What factors influence a person's "ability to recognize" faces?

A person's "ability to recognize" faces can be influenced by factors like genetics, experience, and neurological conditions. Some individuals may have a naturally stronger aptitude, while others may develop expertise through repeated exposure. Neurological conditions can diminish this ability.