acknowledge doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge doing" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used in contexts where one is admitting to an action they have taken, but it is more common to see it in a different structure. Example: "I acknowledge doing my part in the project, but I also recognize the contributions of my teammates."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

As a result, while all schools teach values, fewer acknowledge doing so.

The New York Times

Even the security experts most knowledgeable about the risks of e-mail forwarding to personal accounts acknowledge doing so themselves.

The New York Times - Tech

In response, we built more highways, increasing fuel consumption and, as transportation planners acknowledge, doing little if anything to reduce traffic.

The New York Times

The fact that he would not publicly acknowledge doing so, at the hearing or since then, only made matters worse in the eyes of some of those writers.

The New York Times - Sports

They say the cases of Mr. Pruss and Mr. Meeks are extreme examples, and that few employers these days go online to investigate new hires -- or at least acknowledge doing so.

The New York Times

Likewise, the recognition and reward systems in most organizations are geared to acknowledge doing something.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Nor, the wealthy themselves acknowledge, does wealth buy happiness.

The Guardian - Money

CBT, as Layard and Clark acknowledge, doesn't work for everyone.

The Guardian

But to discuss, debate, be aware and acknowledge doesn't demonstrate intent of disruption of borders.

Huffington Post

What Peterson has acknowledged doing is bad enough.

The New Yorker

Only Saudi Arabia has so far publicly acknowledged doing so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acknowledge doing", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are admitting or recognizing a specific action. While grammatically acceptable, consider alternative phrasings like "admit to doing" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "acknowledge doing" in formal contexts. It can sound slightly awkward. Opt for more common and direct alternatives like "admit" or "recognize" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledge doing" functions as a verb phrase, where 'acknowledge' is the transitive verb taking a gerund phrase as its direct object. This structure is used to express recognition or admission of performing a specific action. Ludwig AI suggests alternatives like "admit to doing" for improved clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acknowledge doing" is used to express the recognition or admission of performing an action. While grammatically acceptable, it's not the most common construction, and alternative phrasings such as "admit to doing" or "recognize doing" are often preferred for clarity and directness. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage spans across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, but less common in Academia. Consider the context and audience when using this phrase, opting for more common alternatives in formal writing. Always verify you are correctly conveying the intended meaning of recognition or admission.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

admit to doing

Uses a more direct verb for confession or acknowledgement.

recognize doing

Emphasizes understanding or awareness of the action.

concede to having done

Implies reluctance in admitting to the action.

own up to doing

Suggests taking responsibility for the action.

profess to doing

Implies a formal or public declaration.

affirm doing

Highlights a strong confirmation of the action.

attest to doing

Indicates providing evidence or proof of the action.

validate doing

Focuses on confirming the legitimacy or correctness of the action.

bear witness to doing

Emphasizes being a direct observer or participant in the action.

avow to doing

Conveys a solemn or determined acknowledgement.

FAQs

How can I use "acknowledge doing" in a sentence?

You can use "acknowledge doing" to admit or recognize an action, as in "They "acknowledge doing" business with the company". However, consider more common alternatives for clearer communication.

What can I say instead of "acknowledge doing"?

You can use alternatives like "admit to doing", "recognize doing", or "concede to having done" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "acknowledge doing" or "acknowledge having done"?

Both "acknowledge doing" and "acknowledge having done" are grammatically acceptable. However, "acknowledge having done" might be perceived as slightly more formal or precise, though it is still less common than "admit to doing".

Is "acknowledge doing" considered formal or informal?

"Acknowledge doing" is relatively neutral, but it's often more appropriate to use a clearer and more direct alternative. In formal writing, "admit to doing" or "recognize doing" may be preferred.