cognizance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cognizance of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to awareness or knowledge of a particular fact or situation. Example: "The committee took cognizance of the recent changes in policy before making their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If art must take cognizance of morality, equally morality must take cognizance of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is, Jewish law takes cognizance of medical necessity.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is just the "cognizance" of religion Madison called a usurpation by the state.

The New York Times - Magazine

Madison said that religion is "not within the cognizance of civil government".

The New York Times - Magazine

The answer to Madison has implicitly been this: a nation with no cognizance of religion has no cognizance of God, and without national recognition of his authority, it will not come within his protection.

The New York Times - Magazine

Judges can take 'suo moto' cognizance of letters or reports in newspapers, and initiate public interest litigation.

The New York Times

And this dip is more pragmatic than ideological, reflecting a growing cognizance of the infeasible fiscal trajectories of these programmes.

The Economist

The work is notable for its scholarship, impartiality, and cognizance of social and economic currents in Jewish history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A spokesman for the Chicago Board of Elections, Tom Leach, said, "Certainly, the board would take cognizance of that court order, if any other similar challenge was filed".

The New York Times

I think we all must take cognizance of the fact that this is a threat and work on it together — not against one another".

The New Yorker

Afterward, he said, somewhat cryptically, "He has a demeanor and I have a demeanor, and both of us have a cognizance of what it's all about".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cognizance of" to convey a sense of formal awareness or understanding, particularly in academic, legal, or professional contexts. It suggests a deliberate acknowledgement of something important.

Common error

While "cognizance of" is correct, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal. Consider whether simpler alternatives like "awareness of" or "understanding of" might be more appropriate for your audience and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cognizance of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a state of awareness or knowledge, often in a formal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cognizance of" is a prepositional phrase signifying awareness or understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. While effective for conveying a sense of formal acknowledgement, it's wise to consider simpler alternatives like "awareness of" or "understanding of" depending on your audience. Remember that this expression indicates a deliberate recognition of an important idea or situation, appearing frequently in sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awareness of

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being conscious or informed.

consciousness of

This is a more formal synonym for awareness, indicating a state of being conscious.

knowledge of

This focuses on possessing specific information or understanding.

understanding of

This emphasizes a deeper comprehension, not just simple awareness.

recognition of

This highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

perception of

This suggests an individual's interpretation or view of something.

insight into

This implies a deeper understanding, often gained through analysis or experience.

grasp of

This emphasizes a firm understanding and control of a concept.

appreciation of

This suggests a valuing or understanding of the importance of something.

sensitivity to

This emphasizes being responsive or attuned to something, often emotional or subtle.

FAQs

What does "cognizance of" mean?

The phrase "cognizance of" means awareness, knowledge, or understanding of something. It implies a formal acknowledgement or recognition.

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

You can use "cognizance of" to indicate that someone is aware or has knowledge of a particular situation or fact. For example: "The court took "cognizance of" the evidence presented."

Which is the best alternative to "cognizance of"?

The best alternative depends on the context. "Awareness of" is a direct synonym, while "understanding of" suggests a deeper comprehension.

Is there a difference between "cognizance of" and "awareness of"?

While similar, "cognizance of" often implies a more formal or official acknowledgement compared to the more general "awareness of".