come to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

"come to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of developing an understanding or appreciation of something. Example: After studying the issue extensively, I have come to recognize that the problem will be more difficult to solve than I had initially thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They also come to recognize their own faults.

The New York Times - Books

In her grandfather's decline, she has come to recognize the trajectory of Alzheimer's.

The New Yorker

Evolutionary biologists have come to recognize humans as a tremendous evolutionary force.

The New York Times - Science

Lately, drug companies have come to recognize the importance — the potential profitability — of combating infectious diseases.

The New Yorker

They must have come to recognize his sickly figure by now.

The New Yorker

But she had come to recognize, she said, that "my heart is always with the artist".

The New York Times

They'd come to recognize socialist fashion as part of their social history and their personal lives.

The New Yorker

And we've come to recognize that our diet is unhealthful and unsafe.

The New York Times

I've come to recognize that a sabbatical is not a panacea.

The New York Times

He spoke with what I would come to recognize as a diffidence touched by, well, touchiness.

The New Yorker

Through experience, however, members of the dance world have come to recognize its limitations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to recognize" to indicate a gradual development of understanding or awareness over time, often as a result of experience or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "come to recognize" when describing an immediate or sudden realization. This phrase implies a gradual process, not an instant revelation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to recognize" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual development of understanding or acknowledgement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely usable. Examples in Ludwig show it often introduces a realization based on experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come to recognize" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express a gradual development of understanding or awareness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, implying a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "begin to understand" or "grow to appreciate" exist, "come to recognize" specifically highlights a shift in perception over time, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Remember to use it when describing processes that unfold gradually, rather than sudden realizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to understand

Directly suggests the gaining of knowledge, but with a broader sense.

begin to understand

Focuses on the initial stage of comprehension rather than a completed recognition.

gradually learn

Focuses on the learning process leading to recognition.

grow to appreciate

Emphasizes the development of fondness or value, rather than just acknowledgement.

eventually acknowledge

Stresses the act of admitting something, possibly after resistance.

realize gradually

Highlights the slow unfolding of a realization, altering the emphasis.

begin to grasp

Emphasizes the mental effort of understanding something complex.

slowly dawn on

Implies a gradual understanding that becomes clear over time.

develop an awareness

Highlights the creation of consciousness or knowledge about something.

start to perceive

Highlights the initial stage of noticing or becoming aware.

FAQs

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

You can use "come to recognize" to express a gradual understanding or appreciation of something. For instance, "Over time, I've "come to recognize" the importance of patience".

What's a good alternative to "come to recognize"?

Alternatives include "begin to understand", "grow to appreciate", or "gradually learn", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "come to recognise" also correct?

"Come to recognise" is a valid alternative, primarily used in British English, while ""come to recognize"" is the standard American English spelling.

What is the difference between "come to realize" and "come to recognize"?

"Come to realize" focuses more on understanding a fact or situation, while ""come to recognize"" often involves acknowledging a quality, characteristic, or value.