cognisance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cognisance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate awareness or knowledge of something, often in formal or legal contexts. Example: "The committee must take cognisance of the recent changes in legislation before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I do take exception to the inference that I've not taken full cognisance of the information that is available.

The Guardian

There will be then proper reward and proper cognisance of those that try and do it right.

The Guardian - Sport

Eduardo Paolozzi, Enzo Apicella, Len Deighton, David Bailey, Terence Conran: these were people who altered Britain's visual culture and opened out a whole generation's cognisance of pleasure.

The Guardian - Books

Resolution of squatter conflicts should take cognisance of community perceptions, as well as the historical and political land use antecedents.

Landscape and Urban Planning

"But if you say that 1 million people will die or 7 million will go hungry – are they really accurately taking cognisance of the entire situation?

The Guardian

Even more notable is the fact that call appeared to be premeditated, made before cognisance of the foursomes had been taken.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is no doubt that the IRA leadership have taken cognisance of the British government's difficulties in finessing a deal with the unionists.

The Guardian

The Scotland manager's job has not yet become so hazardous that it must carry a health warning but Craig Levein's successor will naturally take cognisance of recent history.

The Guardian - Sport

To Australia, a country with so few celebrities that all five of them need only be referred to by their first names for their countryfolk to have immediate cognisance of who you are on about.

The Guardian - Film

However distasteful it may be for him, he should take cognisance of the fact that most of the world, including Israel's closest friends, see an end to settlement building as part and parcel of an end to ever escalating violence.

The Economist

Was there ever a more perfect short story - and one which so brilliantly captures the cognisance of one's own romantic impulse and the equally quicksilver discovery that love rarely ends well.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure you are using "cognisance of" to indicate a genuine understanding or awareness, not just a superficial acknowledgement. Show that this understanding influences your actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "cognisance of" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "aware of" or "knowing about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognisance of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating awareness, knowledge, or understanding. It typically modifies a verb, adjective, or noun, adding information about what is being considered or acknowledged. Ludwig examples show that the phrase is often used in formal contexts to express a deliberate or thoughtful awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cognisance of" is a formal expression used to indicate awareness or knowledge, as validated by Ludwig. Its usage is common across news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is best reserved for formal writing and professional settings. For simpler, everyday communication, consider alternatives such as "awareness of" or "knowledge of". Avoid overuse in informal conversation to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awareness of

This alternative is a more common and slightly less formal way to express a similar understanding or knowledge.

knowledge of

This alternative highlights the state of knowing something, emphasizing information or facts.

understanding of

This alternative suggests a deeper comprehension and insight into a particular subject.

mindful of

This alternative stresses the state of being conscious or aware of something, often with a sense of responsibility.

appreciation of

This alternative implies a recognition and valuing of something, often with a sense of gratitude.

regard for

This alternative suggests considering something important or showing respect for it.

attention to

This alternative focuses on giving focus and consideration to something specific.

sensitivity to

This alternative highlights being perceptive and responsive to certain factors or issues.

heedful of

This alternative indicates paying careful attention to advice or warnings.

taking into account

This alternative suggests including something as a relevant factor when making a decision or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "cognisance of" in a sentence?

Use "cognisance of" to indicate that someone is aware or has knowledge of something. For example, "The committee must take "cognisance of" the new data before making a decision."

What's a simpler alternative to "cognisance of"?

Alternatives include "awareness of", "knowledge of", or "understanding of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cognisance of" formal or informal?

"Cognisance of" is generally considered a more formal expression. In casual settings, using phrases like "aware of" or "mindful of" is often more appropriate.

When should I use "cognisance of" instead of "awareness of"?

Use "cognisance of" when you want to convey a sense of formal acknowledgment and considered understanding. "Awareness of" is suitable for more general contexts where simple knowledge is implied.