by acknowledging that

USAGE SUMMARY

"by acknowledging that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce a statement you are acknowledging, for example "By acknowledging that my work is not yet complete, I am committed to continuing to make improvements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We will start by acknowledging that DPD is no panacea.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

Clinton bean by acknowledging that "in the '94 elections we discovered the limits of liberalism".

The New Yorker

Before all else, let us begin by acknowledging that change is needed.

The Washington Post

By acknowledging that power dynamics and unwritten rules exist--and navigating them constructively.

Harvard Business Review

Let's start by acknowledging that morality cannot be the main criteria, unfortunately.

The New York Times

But he addressed one of his main weaknesses by acknowledging that people had doubts about him.

The Guardian

By acknowledging that, the new guy already sounded like a Red Sox guy.

The New York Times - Sports

The longer answer starts by acknowledging that ultra-loose monetary conditions have had adverse consequences as well as positive ones.

Independent

Republicans explain their extraordinary spending by acknowledging that something far more substantial is at stake than holding a single seat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the 'that' clause following "by acknowledging that" expresses a fact or a widely accepted truth to build credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "by acknowledging that" simply as a perfunctory gesture. Ensure you genuinely understand and consider the implications of what you're acknowledging; otherwise, it can appear insincere or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by acknowledging that" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly introduces a statement of recognition or acceptance, often used to concede a point before introducing a counter-argument or further analysis. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from political discourse to business strategy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by acknowledging that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a statement of recognition or acceptance, often preceding a counter-argument or further explanation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts, demonstrating its versatility and widespread applicability. While "by acknowledging that" is prevalent, it's vital to ensure the acknowledgment is genuine and contributes meaningfully to the overall message. Alternatives such as "by recognizing that" or "considering that" can be used to achieve a similar effect, depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by recognizing that

Replaces "acknowledging" with "recognizing", emphasizing awareness and acceptance.

by understanding that

Substitutes "acknowledging" with "understanding", highlighting comprehension of the stated fact.

in light of the fact that

Offers a more formal alternative, emphasizing the importance of the recognized fact.

considering that

Similar in meaning, but shifts focus to the act of taking something into account.

given that

Implies acceptance of the statement as a basis for reasoning.

knowing that

Focuses on the state of being aware of the information.

with the understanding that

More formal, suggesting a mutual agreement or acceptance.

in view of the fact that

Similar to "in light of the fact that", but slightly more emphatic.

accepting that

Highlights the act of accepting the truth or validity of a statement.

by admitting that

Suggests acknowledging something previously denied or concealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "by acknowledging that" to introduce a statement of fact or a commonly held belief before presenting your own perspective. For example, "By acknowledging that the initial data was limited, we can focus on new research methods."

What are some alternatives to "by acknowledging that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "by recognizing that", "considering that", or "given that", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "that" after "by acknowledging"?

While not always grammatically required, including "that" after "by acknowledging" enhances clarity and is generally recommended, especially in formal writing.

How does "by acknowledging that" differ from "by admitting that"?

"By acknowledging that" implies a recognition of a fact, while "by admitting that" suggests confessing something previously concealed or denied. The choice depends on whether the statement was previously unacknowledged or actively hidden.