did not recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where someone fails to identify or acknowledge something or someone. Example: "When I saw him at the party, I did not recognize him because he had changed so much."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I did not recognize them.

The New Yorker

"I did not recognize you.

The New York Times

He did not recognize himself.

The New York Times

I did not recognize your username.

The New Yorker

He did not recognize her face.

The New Yorker

The U.N. did not recognize the outcome.

The New Yorker

She did not recognize her grandchildren.

The New York Times - Magazine

We did not recognize a distinct pattern.

International Journal of Cardiology

Her friend did not recognize her.

The New Yorker

He did not recognize Mr. Pasciak.

The New York Times

Italy did not recognize their partnership.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "failed to identify" or "could not discern" for variety and to better suit the context.

Common error

Avoid using "did not recognize" when you actually mean "did not recognize myself". In situations where one's self-perception is altered, the reflexive form is more appropriate. For example, say "I did not recognize myself in the mirror" rather than "I did not recognize in the mirror".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not recognize" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a lack of perception, identification, or awareness. It modifies the subject by describing their inability to recognize someone or something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not recognize" is a common and grammatically correct verbal phrase used to express a failure to identify or acknowledge someone or something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, and the phrase appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use the reflexive form when referring to a failure to recognize oneself. Alternatives like "failed to identify" and "could not discern" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to identify

Emphasizes the failure to correctly identify someone or something.

could not identify

Highlights the inability to recognize due to limitations.

was unable to recognize

Similar to 'could not identify' but slightly more formal.

did not acknowledge

Focuses on the lack of acknowledgement rather than visual recognition.

was unfamiliar with

Indicates a lack of prior knowledge preventing recognition.

did not recall

Suggests a failure to remember, leading to a lack of recognition.

did not discern

Implies a difficulty in distinguishing or perceiving something clearly.

overlooked

Suggests a failure to notice something that was present.

missed

Indicates a failure to perceive or understand something.

was oblivious to

Implies a complete lack of awareness or recognition.

FAQs

What does "did not recognize" mean?

The phrase "did not recognize" means that someone failed to identify or acknowledge something or someone, usually due to a lack of familiarity, change in appearance, or other factors hindering recognition.

What can I say instead of "did not recognize"?

You can use alternatives like "failed to identify", "could not discern", or "was unfamiliar with" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "did not recognize"?

Use "did not recognize" when you want to emphasize a lack of familiarity or a change that makes identification difficult. It's appropriate in situations where someone or something should be known, but isn't, for some reason. For instance, "I did not recognize my childhood friend after all these years".

What's the difference between "did not recognize" and "did not remember"?

"Did not recognize" implies a failure to identify someone or something visually or perceptually. "Did not remember", on the other hand, implies a failure to recall information from memory. You might recognize someone but not remember their name, or vice versa.