acknowledgment

USAGE SUMMARY

"acknowledgment" is a valid word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express recognition or appreciation for something or someone. For example: "The company sent an acknowledgment to all its customers for their loyal support over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, for all the breast-beating in the pastoral letter, there is no acknowledgment of Benedict's own culpability.

The Guardian

It was a painful process, a tacit acknowledgment on Jane's part that she would not be able to take photographs indefinitely – she was in her late 70s at the time – and a growing awareness that this had been an immense support to her in a way she had always taken for granted.

The Guardian - Arts

The state authority is very weak and is absent.... There's a lack of political acknowledgment of the presence of the LRA in the area".

The Guardian

The gravity of Keating's speech lies in its unambiguous acknowledgment that past crimes are inextricably – practically, emotionally, symbolically – linked to present Indigenous disadvantage.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think opposition to this has softened within politics in acknowledgment of the fact that the community has shifted its view in favour.

The Guardian

But what they want most is what they are plainly entitled to have: an acknowledgment from Turkey, and for that matter from the UK, that what happened to their people in 1915 was not a tragedy but a crime.

The Guardian - Books

This club's backstory, from minus 17 points at the foot of League Two to the top flight for the first time in their history and all within seven years, demanded acknowledgment.

The Guardian - Sport

Twice in recent years, Abbott has evoked in parliament Keating's 1992 Redfern speech, which remains the high water mark in national political acknowledgment of past crimes against Indigenous people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Engaging them effectively will require an acknowledgment of the differences among them and an understanding of their context – what motivates, influences and inspires them.

The Guardian

Before a proper redemption of the Labour party in Scotland can occur, there must be an acknowledgment from within its ranks of past sins.

The Guardian - Opinion

Missing from Laing's piece was any sensitivity or acknowledgment that SBS is one of the few places on television where non-Anglo faces can be seen and that SBS has a commitment to serve the multicultural community.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acknowledgment" to formally recognize contributions, receipt of information, or acceptance of responsibility. It adds a layer of formality and professionalism to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "acknowledgment" in overly casual contexts where simpler terms like "thanks" or "got it" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The word "acknowledgment" functions primarily as a noun. According to Ludwig, it denotes the act of acknowledging, admitting, or recognizing something. It is frequently used to express recognition of a fact, debt, or obligation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acknowledgment" is a noun used to formally recognize something, express gratitude, or admit a fact. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. It is more appropriate for formal communication. Alternatives include "recognition", "admission", and "gratitude", each offering slightly different nuances. Proper use involves formal recognition, while overuse in casual settings should be avoided. The word is a good fit in professional communications and reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acknowledgement

A spelling variant of the word.

Recognition

Focuses more on the act of noticing or being aware of something.

Admission

Implies accepting the truth or validity of something, often reluctantly.

Avowal

Emphasizes a strong and open declaration or affirmation.

Confession

Suggests admitting to something wrong or shameful.

Concession

Indicates yielding or granting something, often after resistance.

Credit

Implies giving recognition or praise for a contribution or achievement.

Citation

Refers specifically to giving credit to sources of information.

Gratitude

Highlights the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.

Reference

Indicates a mention or allusion to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "acknowledgment" in a sentence?

Use "acknowledgment" to show recognition or acceptance. For example, "The report included an "acknowledgment" of the project's challenges" or "We sent an "acknowledgment" of your payment".

What are some alternatives to "acknowledgment"?

You can use alternatives like "recognition", "admission", or "gratitude" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "acknowledgment" and "acknowledgement"?

"Acknowledgment" and "acknowledgement" are both correct spellings. "Acknowledgment" is the preferred spelling in American English, while "acknowledgement" is more common in British English.

When should I use "acknowledgment" instead of "thanks"?

Use "acknowledgment" in formal situations or when you want to emphasize the importance of recognizing something. "Thanks" is suitable for informal or casual situations.