acknowledge them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acknowledge them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of recognizing or accepting the existence or importance of someone or something. Example: "In order to foster a positive work environment, it is essential to acknowledge them for their contributions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you acknowledge them?

The New Yorker

He also did not even acknowledge them.

The New York Times

Politicians with addiction problems tend not to acknowledge them.

The New York Times

They can't acknowledge them until that sort of activity stops".

The New York Times

All critics make mistakes; few acknowledge them so eloquently.

The New York Times - Books

"You're not supposed to acknowledge them at all.

The New Yorker

If he had any doubts, he did not acknowledge them.

The New York Times

I acknowledge them in both the moral and legal context".

The New York Times

But the government itself has refused to acknowledge them.

The Economist

Even if Treasury doesn't want to acknowledge them, they're real.

The New York Times

Or maybe he did and refuses to acknowledge them.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When dealing with uncomfortable or difficult emotions, "acknowledge them" before trying to process or dismiss them. This allows for a more genuine and effective emotional response.

Common error

While "acknowledge them" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "recognize them", "address them", or "consider them" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "acknowledge them" is as a verb phrase. The verb "acknowledge" takes a direct object pronoun "them". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acknowledge them" is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts to express recognition or acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a verb phrase, serving the purpose of highlighting the significance of someone or something. While its register is generally neutral, suitable for news and general writing, careful consideration of synonyms like "recognize them" or "accept them" can prevent overuse, especially in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize them

Replaces "acknowledge" with a synonym emphasizing recognition, often in a more formal context.

accept them

Shifts the focus to acceptance rather than just acknowledgment, implying a degree of agreement or tolerance.

take notice of them

Emphasizes paying attention to something that might otherwise be missed.

be aware of them

Focuses on the state of being informed or conscious about their existence or presence.

give them recognition

Highlights the act of formally or publicly acknowledging their achievements or importance.

pay attention to them

Directs focus towards actively listening or observing them, often implying a need for careful consideration.

admit them

Suggests acknowledging something previously denied or concealed, often implying reluctance.

validate them

Implies confirming their truth or legitimacy, lending credibility or support.

respond to them

Focuses on providing a reaction or answer, implying a need for interaction or communication.

heed them

Emphasizes paying careful attention and following their advice or warning, often in a serious context.

FAQs

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

You can use "acknowledge them" to mean to recognize something or someone's existence or importance, as in "We must "acknowledge them" for their contributions to the project".

What are some alternatives to saying "acknowledge them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "recognize them", "accept them", or "take notice of them".

Is there a difference between "acknowledge them" and "recognize them"?

While "acknowledge them" and "recognize them" are often interchangeable, "acknowledge them" can sometimes imply a more formal or public acknowledgment, whereas "recognize them" may simply mean to identify or be aware of something.

When is it appropriate to use "acknowledge them" in writing?

"Acknowledge them" is appropriate in a wide range of writing contexts, from informal to formal, whenever you need to express the act of recognizing or accepting something's existence, validity, or importance. For example, you can "acknowledge them" in business communications or academic papers.