reckon with

USAGE SUMMARY

"reckon with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express that one should consider, accept, and address an issue or situation. For example, "We must reckon with the fact that prices are rising and find ways to save money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's one to reckon with".

The New York Times - Sports

The author must reckon with this circumstance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do not reckon with that".

The New York Times

Failing to reckon with the past can mean misplacing sentimentality.

The New York Times

Al Qaeda didn't reckon with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

The New Yorker

And this ad tries to reckon with that.

The New York Times

Any future President will have to reckon with that".

The New Yorker

First, there is the Taliban's fighting capability to reckon with.

The New York Times

Native American youth reckon with a changing Columbia River.

The New Yorker

On Saturday, Mr. Acosta was an Oberon to reckon with.

The New York Times - Arts

Stalin acts for everybody, he does not reckon with anyone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reckon with" when you want to emphasize the need to acknowledge and address a significant factor or challenge. It implies that ignoring the issue is not an option.

Common error

Avoid using "reckon with" when the situation simply requires consideration or awareness. The phrase carries a weight of obligation to act or adapt, making it unsuitable for minor or easily dismissible factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reckon with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the need to confront, address, or take something significant into account. Ludwig confirms its usability. It often implies that ignoring the subject is not a viable option.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reckon with" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to emphasize the necessity of acknowledging and addressing a significant issue or individual. As Ludwig examples illustrate, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, implying that the subject at hand is not to be ignored. Alternatives such as "take into account" or "deal with" exist, but "reckon with" carries a stronger sense of obligation. Understanding its implications and appropriate usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take into account

Focuses on considering something as a factor.

deal with

Emphasizes managing or handling a situation.

contend with

Highlights facing or struggling against something.

grapple with

Implies a more intense struggle to understand or resolve something.

face up to

Suggests confronting something honestly and directly.

consider

Focuses on thinking carefully about something.

confront

Implies directly addressing a challenge or problem.

take cognizance of

More formal way of saying to take notice of something.

come to terms with

Implies accepting and adapting to a difficult situation.

be prepared for

Focuses on getting ready for a potential challenge or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "reckon with" in a sentence?

You can use "reckon with" to indicate that something must be taken into account or dealt with, such as "Any future president will have to "reckon with" that" or "We must "reckon with" the past".

What are some alternatives to "reckon with"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "take into account", "deal with", or "contend with" as alternatives to "reckon with".

Is it more appropriate to say "reckon with" or "take into consideration"?

"Reckon with" implies a stronger sense of obligation to act or adapt, while "take into consideration" simply suggests a need to think about something. The choice depends on whether action is required.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a force to reckon with"?

This means the person is powerful, influential, and not to be underestimated. They possess significant abilities or resources that make them a formidable presence.