able to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capability or skill in identifying or acknowledging something. Example: "She is able to recognize the subtle differences in the artwork that most people overlook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not everybody is able to recognize it".

The New York Times

How was Mr. Schwab able to recognize this particular prince?

The New York Times

Patients must be able to recognize the difference.

The New York Times

The aggressive flies seem less able to recognize others' boundaries.

The New York Times - Science

"But I'm proud that I was able to recognize that".

The New York Times

Was I able to recognize what things were coming to?

The New Yorker

He was not able to recognize faces or their expressions.

The New Yorker

Not until 1548 was he able to recognize her publicly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cyclic voltammetry curves show that these complexes are able to recognize potentiometrically a metal cation.

Electrochimica Acta

A molecule able to recognize cardiomyocytes would have significant value in diagnosis and treatment.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

We were able to recognize the logic output signals effortlessly by our naked eyes.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to recognize", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being recognized. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences where it's unclear who or what is "able to recognize". Active voice often provides a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of saying "The error was able to be recognized by the system", say "The system could recognize the error."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to recognize" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the capacity or capability to identify or acknowledge something. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to recognize" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression indicating the capacity or capability to identify or acknowledge something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for describing someone's skill in identifying various subjects. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial. Remember to avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain a direct and impactful tone in your writing. Alternatives like "capable of identifying" or "skilled at discerning" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of identifying

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to identify something.

skilled at discerning

Highlights the expertise and proficiency in distinguishing or perceiving something.

adept at detecting

Focuses on the skill in discovering or noticing something, often something not immediately obvious.

competent to perceive

Stresses the adequacy and capability in understanding or becoming aware of something.

qualified to acknowledge

Highlights the suitability and authorization to recognize or admit something.

equipped to understand

Emphasizes having the necessary resources or abilities to comprehend something.

prepared to identify

Focuses on the readiness and willingness to recognize or pinpoint something.

in a position to recognize

Highlights the favorable circumstances or situation that allows for recognition.

has the faculty to perceive

Highlights the inherent mental power or ability to understand something.

possesses the insight to discern

Emphasizes having deep understanding that allows to see clearly the nature of things.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to recognize" to describe someone's capacity or skill in identifying or acknowledging something. For example: "She is "able to recognize" subtle differences in artwork".

What are some alternatives to "able to recognize"?

Alternatives include "capable of identifying", "skilled at discerning", or "adept at detecting" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "can recognize" instead of "able to recognize"?

Both "can recognize" and "able to recognize" are grammatically correct. "Can recognize" is often more concise and direct, while "able to recognize" might be used for emphasis or to highlight a specific capability.

What does it mean to be "able to recognize" something?

To be "able to recognize" something means having the capacity, skill, or knowledge to identify, distinguish, or acknowledge it based on previous experience or understanding.