acknowledge something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express recognition or acceptance of a fact, situation, or someone's feelings. Example: "It is important to acknowledge something when it has a significant impact on our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But now I can acknowledge something like that without tearing myself down.

The Guardian

"But it's sometimes necessary to get reform, to get folks in power to acknowledge something.

The Guardian

If so, he might have to acknowledge something distinctly uncool that he is an extremely shrewd businessman.

The Economist

It's a Catholic word, but it's a sin not to acknowledge something for at least a minute: Hey, you got this far".

The New York Times

He doesn't say much initially, either, answering with a terse "correct" when forced to acknowledge something he does not necessarily want to acknowledge.

The New York Times

Whether we can agree on a solution or not is another question but at least they acknowledge something is going on and that's a great first step".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The great Google engine had acknowledged something — but what?

The New York Times

He could not even check his BlackBerry, to which he has acknowledged something of an addiction.

The New York Times

The other daughter acknowledged something her father had come to understand years earlier.

The New York Times - Health

In fact, Oliver's exoneration of my Pelforth obsession tacitly acknowledges something I like to call the Penalty of Knowledge.

The New York Times

Explaining the phrase, he says, "It's used when you're acknowledging something that you don't really want to acknowledge".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acknowledge something", be specific about what is being acknowledged to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether you are acknowledging a mistake, an achievement, or someone's feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "acknowledge something" without clearly defining what the 'something' is. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acknowledge something" functions primarily as a verb phrase where 'acknowledge' is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ('something'). Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and common in written English. This is supported by numerous examples that Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acknowledge something" is a versatile phrase used to express recognition or acceptance of a fact, situation, or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. While it's most commonly found in news and media, it's also used in wikis and business communications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being acknowledged. Consider alternatives like "recognize something" or "admit something", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoiding vagueness is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize something

Direct synonym, focusing on awareness and understanding.

accept something

Emphasizes agreeing to something, often a situation or fact.

admit something

Implies acknowledging something previously denied or concealed.

realize something

Focuses on becoming aware of something for the first time.

concede something

Suggests reluctantly acknowledging something as true.

validate something

Focuses on confirming or supporting the truth of something.

affirm something

Highlights stating something is true with confidence.

take something on board

Emphasizes considering and accepting new information or ideas.

give credence to something

Alternative conveys believing something is true or valid, often requiring justification.

bear something in mind

Phrasing implies remembering to take something into consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "acknowledge something" to indicate recognition or acceptance of a fact, situation, or feeling. For instance, "It's important to acknowledge something when it has a significant impact."

What is a more formal way to say "acknowledge something"?

A more formal alternative to "acknowledge something" could be "recognize something", especially in professional or academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "acknowledge something"?

"Acknowledge something" is appropriate when you want to express that you are aware of and understand the significance of a particular issue or fact. It conveys a sense of responsibility and understanding.

Is there a difference between "acknowledge something" and "admit something"?

Yes, "acknowledge something" implies recognition, whereas "admit something" suggests confessing to something, often a mistake or wrongdoing. The former is more neutral, while the latter carries a connotation of admission of fault.