but who recognizes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but who recognizes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that specifies a condition or characteristic related to a subject, often in a context discussing awareness or acknowledgment. Example: "He is a talented artist, but who recognizes his work outside of this small community?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Though much of this writing is Mr. McCall's, "This Land" has a lot to say about Mr. Letterman, an enigmatic figure who rarely expresses himself outside of his late-night show, but who recognizes the book as a vehicle for ideas — about this country and about himself — that he cannot necessarily get across in his TV gig.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We would walk the mile to school each day in small, chattering groups, past shopkeepers who did not yet know our names but who recognized us for what we were: that year's crop of americanas.

The New York Times - Travel

That worry agitates many serious people who do not otherwise find compelling the case for protecting blastocysts or frozen embryos but who recognize that the precedents established in embryonic stem cell research will have broad and long-lasting consequences for science and human reproduction.

The New York Times

If the film was meant to be Chaplin's farewell to the Tramp (he put on the mustache again for "The Great Dictator," 1940, but only after Hitler had tried to steal it from him), he left the little fellow a wonderful present: a child-woman (played by Paulette Goddard) who was as much of an outcast as he was, but who recognized his inner qualities and loved him for them.

The New York Times

Rather, in our dealings with the sensible world, we must remain Humean skeptics, who can appeal to regularities and customs in our attempts to explain the empirical world, but who recognize that these explanations always remain provisional and unsure, since they never meet the demands of reason.

SEP

But a person who recognizes that he has grown up in a dysfunctional setting does not consider it normal.

The New York Times - Sports

• To the Editor: We welcome David Steiner as the new commissioner of education not just because he has been an innovative school of education dean or a leader in the field of the arts, but as someone who recognizes the intrinsic relationship of the arts and general education in developing a truly educated citizenry.

The New York Times

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the current leader, is widely considered a conservative but also a practical politician who recognizes Mr. Khatami's popularity.

The New York Times

In turn, the entrepreneur may not have the depth of knowledge that the specialist possesses (for example, in technology), but it is the entrepreneur who recognizes the value of the opportunity through the application of the specialist's knowledge.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

What emerges from this evidence, then, is not Pythagoras as the master geometer, who provides rigorous proofs, but rather Pythagoras as someone who recognizes and celebrates certain geometrical relationships as of high importance.

SEP

Now, outside racing, who recognizes his name?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but who recognizes", ensure the contrast introduced by "but" is clear and logical, setting up a meaningful opposition to what precedes it. For example, "He is often misunderstood, but who recognizes his true potential?"

Common error

Avoid using "but who recognizes" when there isn't a genuine contrast or when the "but" undermines the logical flow of the sentence. For example, it's less effective to say, "He is popular, but who recognizes him on the street?" because popularity usually implies recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but who recognizes" functions as a conjunctional relative clause, introducing a contrasting element while specifying which individuals or entities acknowledge something. This emphasizes a distinction or exception to a general statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but who recognizes" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces a contrasting element related to recognition or acknowledgment. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

It's commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and business documents. "But who recognizes" functions as a conjunctional relative clause that emphasizes the insightful minority in contrast to a less informed majority. When using this phrase, ensure a clear contrast is established. While several alternatives exist, such as "yet who acknowledges" or "though who understands", the specific nuance may change depending on the intended meaning. Also, pay attention to what you place after "but", as the construction should be used when there is a genuine contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but who realizes

Replaces "recognizes" with "realizes", implying a sudden awareness or understanding.

but who acknowledges this

Adds "this" to clarify the object of recognition, making the phrase more specific.

yet who acknowledges

Replaces "recognizes" with "acknowledges", implying a more explicit awareness or admission.

though who understands

Substitutes "recognizes" with "understands", focusing on comprehension rather than mere identification.

yet who notices

Replaces "recognizes" with "notices", focusing on observation or attention.

but who appreciates

Replaces "recognizes" with "appreciates", suggesting a positive valuation or gratitude.

though who perceives

Changes "recognizes" to "perceives", highlighting sensory or intuitive awareness.

yet who discerns

Changes "recognizes" to "discerns", indicating a more perceptive or insightful understanding.

however who detects

Substitutes "recognizes" with "detects", suggesting the discovery of something previously hidden.

however who identifies

Substitutes "recognizes" with "identifies", focusing on pinpointing or categorizing.

FAQs

How can I use "but who recognizes" in a sentence?

Use "but who recognizes" to introduce a contrasting element where someone or something acknowledges a particular fact or quality. For example, "The policy was controversial, but who recognizes its long-term benefits?"

What alternatives can I use instead of "but who recognizes"?

You can use alternatives like "yet who acknowledges", "though who understands", or "however who identifies" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but"?

While traditionally discouraged, starting a sentence with "but" is now widely accepted in contemporary writing for stylistic effect. Using "But who recognizes" at the beginning of a question emphasizes the contrast.

What's the difference between "but who recognizes" and "and who recognizes"?

"But who recognizes" introduces a contrast, highlighting that recognition is not widespread or expected. "And who recognizes", on the other hand, simply adds recognition as an additional attribute or characteristic, without necessarily implying a contrast.