need to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

"need to recognize" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe that something must be acknowledged or identified. For example, "We need to recognize the importance of sustainable energy use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Our payment systems need to recognize that".

The New York Times - Health

We need to recognize and encourage diversity.

The New York Times

"You just need to recognize them.

The New York Times

Men need to recognize their own responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

They need to recognize it, identify it.

The New York Times

They need to recognize that dissent does not mean dissension.

The New Yorker

Homeowners, they say, need to recognize their own responsibility.

The New York Times

But we need to recognize that it never truly stopped.

The New York Times

And they all need to recognize who is the boss.

The New York Times - Sports

"And if it's tied to the economy, you need to recognize that as well".

The New York Times - Travel

You also need to recognize what it means in the popular imagination, and then seize it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to recognize", ensure the object of recognition is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We need to recognize", specify "We need to recognize the impact of climate change".

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who needs to recognize something. Instead of saying "It needs to be recognized", specify who should be doing the recognizing, such as "Leaders need to recognize".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to recognize" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the necessity or importance of acknowledging, understanding, or being aware of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that a certain level of acknowledgement is required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need to recognize" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of acknowledging or understanding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific writing. While grammatically sound and widely used, careful attention should be paid to ensure clarity and avoid passive voice. Alternative phrases like "must acknowledge" or "it is important to acknowledge" can be used to adjust the level of emphasis. By understanding the nuances of "need to recognize", writers can effectively convey the necessity of awareness in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must acknowledge

Replaces "need to" with a stronger modal verb, emphasizing obligation.

have to acknowledge

Uses a different verb construction to express necessity, while maintaining the core meaning.

should acknowledge

Substitutes "need to" with a weaker modal, suggesting recommendation rather than necessity.

it is crucial to acknowledge

Emphasizes the critical nature of recognition, increasing the sense of urgency.

it is important to acknowledge

Rephrases the necessity as a statement of importance, altering the sentence structure.

ought to recognize

Uses a more formal modal verb to indicate obligation or duty.

it's essential to understand

Shifts focus from recognition to understanding, implying a deeper level of comprehension.

it's vital to appreciate

Changes from recognition to appreciation, suggesting valuing something.

we should bear in mind

Encourages mindfulness and consideration, rather than simple recognition.

it is worth noting

Highlights something as noteworthy, but does not necessarily imply action.

FAQs

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

Use "need to recognize" to express the necessity of acknowledging or understanding something. For example, "We "need to recognize" the importance of early childhood education".

What are some alternatives to "need to recognize"?

You can use phrases such as "must acknowledge", "should acknowledge", or "it is important to acknowledge" depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "need to recognize" or "needs to recognize"?

"Need to recognize" is used with plural subjects (e.g., we, they, people), while "needs to recognize" is used with singular subjects (e.g., he, she, it). For example, "They "need to recognize" the issue" and "He "needs to recognize" the problem".

What's the difference between "need to recognize" and "need to understand"?

"Need to recognize" implies acknowledging the existence or importance of something, while "need to understand" suggests a deeper level of comprehension is required. Recognition is often a prerequisite for "understanding".