i recognize them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recognize them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are aware of or can identify certain people or things. Example: "When I walked into the room, I immediately recognized them from the conference last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Would I recognize them?

The Guardian - Arts

I recognize them and say thanks for being here.

The New Yorker

You have visited before, they say when I recognize them.

The New York Times

When I see someone wearing them, I recognize them instantly and feel very jealous.

The New York Times

"It's got to the point where I recognize them," Mr. Larson said.

The New York Times

Over the years, I have compared notes with many fellow entrepreneurs, and I have seen them make the same mistakes over and over again — I recognize them because I have made them all, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I recognized them: in real life, they are both gone.

The New Yorker

I recognized them immediately, and knew exactly how much they would cost.

The New Yorker

I recognized them as a particularly persistent pair from the Executive Mansion.

The New Yorker

Later, "a friend showed me the pictures in the paper and I recognized them," he said.

The New York Times

Earlier that year the two appeared together in a cover article in Time magazine, so I recognized them both immediately.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "I identify them" or "I know who they are" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "I recognize them" when referring to abstract concepts or feelings. Instead, use phrases like "I understand them" or "I acknowledge them" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recognize them" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It asserts the speaker's ability to identify or recall specific individuals. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a direct expression of recognition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I recognize them" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the speaker's ability to identify individuals based on prior knowledge or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a declarative statement with a neutral register, fitting various communicative purposes, particularly in news and media. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, understanding its nuances and considering alternatives like "I identify them" or "I know who they are" can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to avoid using it in abstract contexts and use the appropriate alternative to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I identify them

Replaces "recognize" with "identify", focusing on the act of distinguishing or classifying.

I remember them

Similar to 'recall', but emphasizes the act of remembering.

I know who they are

Expresses recognition through knowledge of their identity.

I perceive them

Uses "perceive" to indicate an awareness or understanding of their identity.

I am familiar with them

Indicates a degree of acquaintance or prior knowledge.

I discern them

Replaces "recognize" with "discern", focusing on the ability to perceive or distinguish something not easily apparent.

I can place them

Suggests the ability to remember where or how one knows them.

I spot them

Highlights the action of visually identifying someone or something among others.

I am acquainted with them

Implies a formal or slight relationship.

I recall them

Focuses on remembering their presence or existence.

FAQs

What does "I recognize them" mean?

The phrase "I recognize them" means that you are able to identify someone or something based on prior knowledge, experience, or observation. It implies familiarity and the ability to distinguish them from others.

How can I use "I recognize them" in a sentence?

You can use "I recognize them" to indicate that you are familiar with someone or something. For example: "I hadn't seen my cousins in years, but I still "recognized them" immediately when they arrived."

What are some alternatives to "I recognize them"?

Some alternatives to "I recognize them" include "I identify them", "I know who they are", "I am familiar with them", or "I remember them", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I recognize him/her" instead of "I recognize them"?

Yes, "I recognize him/her" is correct when referring to a single person. "I recognize them" is used when referring to multiple people or when the gender of a single person is unknown or irrelevant.