acknowledge each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or groups recognize or show awareness of one another, often in social or professional settings. Example: "During the meeting, it was important for team members to acknowledge each other to foster a collaborative environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They are two worlds that physically touch, but utterly fail to acknowledge each other.

The Guardian - Arts

The people in Wheeldon's ballets acknowledge each other, mean something to each other.

The New Yorker

Still, at least an accidental smack requires two strangers to acknowledge each other.

The New York Times

One affectionately stated, "Even as strangers, we quietly - conspiratorially - acknowledge each other when we pass".

The Guardian - Opinion

Lisa, 16, said she saw her father "out sometimes" but they did not acknowledge each other.

The Guardian

You expect them to acknowledge each other, like cab or bus drivers, but they never do.

The Guardian - Arts

Owens and Witten stood several yards apart during warm-ups and did not acknowledge each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Check out the body language here and whether Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton acknowledge each other.

The New York Times

He was supposed to follow her, and they were not to acknowledge each other.

The New Yorker

But somewhere between stopping and going, we must acknowledge each other.

The New York Times

It was not until 2007 that Dr. Frank and Ms. Mirabito began to acknowledge each other.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acknowledge each other" when you want to express a mutual recognition or awareness between two or more parties, especially in situations where this recognition is significant for maintaining relationships or achieving a common goal.

Common error

While "acknowledge each other" is generally appropriate, avoid overusing it in very informal settings where simpler terms like "say hi" or "notice each other" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledge each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more entities. It signifies a recognition or awareness that is exchanged between the involved parties. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in various relational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acknowledge each other" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies mutual recognition or awareness. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears most often in news and media contexts. While appropriate for many situations, be mindful of the register and consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. The related phrases, such as "recognize each other" and "appreciate each other", offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Ultimately, using "acknowledge each other" effectively involves understanding its connotations of intentionality and context-appropriate formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize each other

Emphasizes conscious recognition, often involving a mental process of identifying someone or something.

appreciate each other

Highlights the value and positive regard each party holds for the other, going beyond mere recognition.

understand each other

Focuses on mutual comprehension and empathy between individuals or groups.

respect each other

Implies a sense of admiration and deference, suggesting a deeper level of mutual regard.

greet each other

Refers to a specific act of acknowledging presence, usually through a verbal or non-verbal gesture.

notice each other

Suggests a simple awareness of each other's presence without necessarily implying interaction.

take note of each other

Emphasizes paying attention to one another, often in a professional or observational context.

connect with each other

Indicates forming a bond or relationship, going beyond simple acknowledgment.

relate to each other

Highlights finding common ground or shared experiences.

interact with each other

Focuses on active engagement and communication between parties.

FAQs

How can I use "acknowledge each other" in a sentence?

You can use "acknowledge each other" to describe mutual recognition. For example, "Despite their differences, the two leaders made an effort to "acknowledge each other" at the conference".

What are some alternatives to "acknowledge each other"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "recognize each other", "greet each other", or "notice each other".

Is it better to say "acknowledge each other" or "recognize each other"?

Both "acknowledge each other" and "recognize each other" are correct, but "acknowledge" often implies a more active or deliberate form of recognition, whereas "recognize" can be more passive.

In what situations is it important for people to "acknowledge each other"?

It's particularly important for people to "acknowledge each other" in professional settings, social gatherings, or any situation where building rapport or maintaining relationships is key.