could not be recognised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not be recognised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something or someone was not identified or acknowledged in a particular context. Example: "The signature on the document could not be recognised by the scanning software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The PRP also decided that the lack of support from newspapers did not mean Impress could not be recognised and sign up titles once it was up and running.

The Guardian

Mr. Robertson sarcastically, yet sadly, remarks: "This particular genocide could not be recognised -- not because it had not taken place, but because it was politically and commercially inconvenient to do so".

Huffington Post

But what was intriguing in the new study was that even when participants couldn't really see the faces – they were masked so that the images could not be recognised consciously – the moderate pain was greater for the "high pain" faces compared to the low ones.

Vice

Seven percent of all NTM isolates could not be recognised as valid species.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Only a large increase in both gain and laser power allowed visualisation of weak fluorescence that could not be recognised as actin filament staining.

ChemBioChem

As a complementary tool, sequence analysis was performed to identify the genotypes for samples that yielded an unclear pattern that could not be recognised.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The source the pictures, they grabbed headshots off the internet and photoshopped them so their real owners couldn't be recognised.

Independent

Despite the fact that the last Labour government said that the Cornish couldn't be recognised in this way, Liberal Democrats in coalition government have made sure that the Cornish people, and our traditions, culture and heritage, now have the same status as everyone else".

The Guardian

So little is known of Bournemouth's mystery Russian millionaire owner, Maxim Demin, he could wander through the town centre and not be recognised.

BBC

This could lead to the production of an altered 19A capsule, which may not be recognised by the vaccine.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Variability not being recognised could mean that the observers could not identify the theme properly (due to poor theme description or understanding), or that the topics in the selected model could not capture this theme (due to insufficient representation in the corpus).

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could not be recognised" when you want to emphasize a lack of identification due to specific circumstances, such as poor visibility or altered appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "could not be recognised" excessively, as it can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not be recognised" functions as a passive construction, indicating an inability to identify or acknowledge something or someone. As Ludwig AI suggests, it shows that identification was impossible. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate the range of contexts where this phrase can be used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not be recognised" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate the inability to identify something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for standard English. While generally neutral in tone, its usage frequency is uncommon, appearing mainly in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful to avoid overusing passive voice, and consider stronger active alternatives for a more direct style. Its alternatives are for example: "was unidentifiable" or "went unnoticed". Remember to choose an alternative based on the intended context to ensure the meaning aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unidentifiable

Emphasizes the lack of ability to establish the identity of something.

was not identified

Focuses on the action of failing to pinpoint or establish what something is.

was unacknowledged

Highlights the lack of recognition or acceptance.

went unnoticed

Stresses the lack of attention or observation.

was indistinguishable

Highlights the inability to differentiate from other things.

eluded detection

Focuses on the act of avoiding being found or noticed.

was imperceptible

Emphasizes the lack of visibility or ability to be sensed.

remained anonymous

Focuses on the state of not being named or known.

was disregarded

Highlights that something has been dismissed and not considered.

was overlooked

Focuses on the act of missing or failing to see something.

FAQs

What does "could not be recognised" mean?

The phrase "could not be recognised" means that something or someone was in a state or condition where they were impossible to identify or acknowledge.

What are some alternatives to "could not be recognised"?

You can use alternatives such as "was not identified", "was unidentifiable", or "went unnoticed", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "could not be recognised" in a sentence?

You can use "could not be recognised" in sentences like: "The damage was so extensive that the car "could not be recognised"", or "Due to the mask, the suspect "could not be recognised"".

Is "could not be recognised" formal or informal?

"Could not be recognised" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider using stronger, more direct language if a situation calls for it.