can we recognise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we recognise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking if it is possible to identify or acknowledge something. Example: "In this discussion, can we recognise the contributions of all team members?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

How can we recognise a potentially fruitful idea?

The Guardian

Can we recognise when we are or aren't demanding high?

The Guardian

The real question is: can we recognise a sufficient convergence of interest to rebuild this transatlantic alliance and strengthen it?

The Guardian

"They could have been taken in another century, so little can we recognise of our contemporary world".

The Guardian - Arts

In this paper, two questions are posed: (1) what were the effects of the claimed global changes in Holocene climate at the regional and local scale in the ABC zones?; and (2) can we recognise human impact in these proxy records prior to the Bronze Age of our study regions?

Quaternary International

"Can we recognise that the banking crisis in 2008 was not caused by the excessive wages of those that sweep the streets of Islington, or the wages of nurses in our local hospital, or the wage of any other public sector worker," Mr Corbyn said in a speech in his home constiuency of North Islington.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We do want to offer all of our users as much choice as we can, and we recognise that there are some users – both subscribers and non-subscribers – who would prefer to have an ad-free experience".

The Guardian

We can either hope every school is going to be inclusive, or we can recognise we are not there yet and so, for the moment, we need more specialised schools," she added.

The Guardian

They are intended to reflect the wide range of hard-hitting current affairs that the BBC produces, which we recognise can be challenging.

Independent

We used GP visits, which we recognise can involve any interaction, even if the original pain problem is addressed.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Once we can recognise these conventions, we can begin to pinpoint those features of a photograph that are distinctive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business communications, using "can we recognise" can be effective for identifying opportunities or risks, but be specific about what needs to be recognised and why it's important.

Common error

Avoid using "can we recognise" in very informal conversations where simpler alternatives like "do we see" or "do we notice" might be more appropriate. Overuse in informal settings can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we recognise" functions primarily as an interrogative clause, used to inquire about the possibility or ability to identify, acknowledge, or understand something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from academic research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can we recognise" is a grammatically sound and versatile interrogative phrase used to inquire about the ability to identify, acknowledge, or understand something. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and suitability across various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, its register tends towards neutral to formal. When writing, consider the audience and context; simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal settings. Related phrases such as "can we identify" or "can we discern" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we identify

Replaces "recognise" with "identify", focusing on the ability to pinpoint or determine something.

can we discern

Uses "discern" instead of "recognise", suggesting a more careful or insightful observation.

can we perceive

Substitutes "recognise" with "perceive", highlighting the sensory or intuitive understanding of something.

are we able to recognise

Adds "are we able to", emphasizing the capability or capacity to recognise.

is it possible to recognise

Changes the structure to a question about possibility rather than ability.

can we acknowledge

Focuses on acknowledging the existence or validity of something, rather than just identifying it.

can we detect

Employs "detect" to suggest finding something that might not be immediately obvious.

can we understand

Shifts the focus to comprehending rather than just recognizing something.

can we appreciate

Emphasizes the value or importance of what is being recognised.

can we spot

Uses "spot" for a quick or easy form of recognition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can we recognise" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are we able to identify", "is it possible to discern", or "can we acknowledge" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "can we recognise" and "can we identify"?

While similar, "can we recognise" implies a broader sense of awareness or acknowledgement, while "can we identify" suggests a more precise pinpointing or determination of something.

Is "can we recognise" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "can we recognise" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing the identification or acknowledgement of specific phenomena, trends, or patterns. Ensure the criteria for recognition are clearly defined.

Are there any simpler alternatives to "can we recognise" for casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you could use simpler alternatives such as "do we see", "do we notice", or "can we tell" instead of "can we recognise", as they are less formal and more direct.