come to acknowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"come to acknowledge" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The citizens came to acknowledge the mayor's hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Only in grand old age did he come to acknowledge how wrong he'd been.

The Guardian - Opinion

He meant that both have come to acknowledge that the other man is, in part, correct.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even literary gatekeepers, it seems, have come to acknowledge that she is among the first rank of modern artists.

Independent

They are the response of people who have come to acknowledge the humanity of their neighbors, even anonymous, undocumented ones.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the A.M.N.H. has gradually come to acknowledge the troubling origins of many remains in its possession.

The New Yorker

"The time has come to acknowledge that it is counterfeit objectivity the liberal media try to sell consumers," she says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"This is as close as anyone will come to acknowledging that it's not working".

The New York Times

That is as close as any Patriot will come to acknowledging that, in preseason forecasts, they are considered the closest thing to an N.F.L. juggernaut.

The New York Times - Sports

It was the closest he has come to acknowledging that his central argument for the invasion last year may never be proved true or false.

The New York Times

The closest any of the 20 international conferences convened so far have come to acknowledging the problem is in the resolution adopted in Lima in December last year.

The Guardian

It was the closest any British minister had come to acknowledging outright that British agents knew or suspected that the detainees were being abused, and did little or nothing to prevent it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to acknowledge" to describe a gradual shift in understanding or acceptance of a fact, idea, or situation. It's particularly effective when highlighting a change in perspective over time.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "come to acknowledge" can sometimes sound slightly verbose in very formal or academic writing. Consider using a more concise alternative like "recognize" or "understand" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to acknowledge" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual process of understanding or accepting something previously not fully understood or accepted. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, showcasing its use in various contexts where a shift in perspective occurs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come to acknowledge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies a gradual shift in understanding or acceptance. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for use across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's worth noting that more concise alternatives might be preferable in highly formal writing. The phrase is effective in conveying a transition in perspective, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize

Similar to acknowledge, but may not imply a prior lack of awareness.

begin to recognize

Focuses on the initial stage of understanding or awareness.

become aware of

Emphasizes the gaining of knowledge or consciousness.

start to appreciate

Emphasizes a growing sense of value or worth.

grow to understand

Highlights the gradual development of comprehension.

understand

Focuses on comprehension and grasping the meaning of something.

realize

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the gaining of understanding.

admit

Implies conceding something, often reluctantly.

concede

Similar to admit, but often in a more formal or argumentative context.

accept

Focuses on agreeing with or believing something.

FAQs

How can I use "come to acknowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "come to acknowledge" to indicate a gradual realization or acceptance of something. For example, "After years of denial, he finally "came to acknowledge" his mistake".

What's the difference between "come to acknowledge" and "recognize"?

"Come to acknowledge" implies a process of realization over time, while "recognize" suggests a more immediate understanding or awareness. If someone "comes to acknowledge" something, it took them some time to fully understand or accept it.

Which is correct, "come to acknowledge" or "come to acknowledgement"?

"Come to acknowledge" is the correct phrase. "Acknowledgement" is a noun, while "acknowledge" is a verb that fits the infinitive construction "to acknowledge".

What are some alternatives to "come to acknowledge"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "begin to recognize", "start to appreciate", or simply "realize".