by acknowledging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by acknowledging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that an action is being taken as a result of recognizing or accepting something. Example: "The team improved their performance by acknowledging the feedback received from their peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You achieve strength by acknowledging your weaknesses.

The New York Times

By acknowledging sexism, we can excuse ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's start by acknowledging the possibility of identical, distinct bags.

The New York Times

By acknowledging the issue, an institution invites people to mourn".

The Guardian

Cash began her answer by acknowledging that she is Catholic.

The Guardian

We should begin by acknowledging two facts of life.

The New York Times

Yet by acknowledging the costs QE imposes on EMEs, Mr Dudley would no doubt think twice.

The Economist

By acknowledging the injustice, you take the poison out of the system.

The New Yorker

But by acknowledging that everybody has a responsibility to act, it would represent progress.

The Economist

They keep from "murdering each other" by acknowledging that politics is never a zero-sum game.

The New York Times

The President began by acknowledging the persistence of America's problems with race.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by acknowledging", ensure that the thing being acknowledged is clearly stated and relevant to the action or outcome described in the sentence. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by acknowledging" when the intention is to convey full agreement or endorsement. Acknowledgment simply means recognizing something exists or is true, not necessarily approving of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by acknowledging" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates the means or method by which an action is performed. Ludwig AI shows it's a common way to introduce a condition or reason for a subsequent action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by acknowledging" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that an action or outcome is achieved through the act of recognizing or accepting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being acknowledged and its relevance to the overall message. Alternatives include "by recognizing" or "by accepting", offering subtle variations in meaning. Avoid using "by acknowledging" when full agreement is intended, as it primarily signifies recognition, not necessarily approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by recognizing

This alternative uses the direct verb form of acknowledging, providing a more straightforward substitution.

by accepting

This alternative focuses on the acceptance aspect rather than the acknowledgement, shifting the emphasis slightly.

through recognition of

This alternative uses 'recognition' as a noun, emphasizing the act of recognizing, instead of the verb 'acknowledging'.

through admitting

This alternative emphasizes the act of admitting something, often implying something previously denied or concealed.

in recognition of

This phrase places more emphasis on the state of recognition as the basis for action.

by conceding

This emphasizes yielding or admitting something, often reluctantly or under pressure.

with the understanding

This alternative explicitly states that an action is based on a mutual agreement or comprehension.

by understanding

This implies a deeper comprehension and acceptance, rather than simply acknowledging.

in light of

This suggests that action is taken considering new information or insights.

given

A shorter, more concise way of expressing the same idea, often used in mathematical or logical contexts.

FAQs

What does "by acknowledging" mean?

The phrase "by acknowledging" means that an action or outcome is achieved through the act of recognizing or accepting something as true or valid.

How can I use "by acknowledging" in a sentence?

You can use "by acknowledging" to show that something is being done as a direct result of recognizing or accepting a fact, limitation, or truth. For example: "The team improved their strategy "by acknowledging their weaknesses"."

What are some alternatives to "by acknowledging"?

Alternatives include "by recognizing", "by accepting", or "through recognition of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "by acknowledging" and "by admitting"?

While both phrases involve accepting something, "by acknowledging" generally implies a neutral recognition of a fact, whereas "by admitting" often suggests conceding something previously denied or considered unfavorable.