recognise each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognise each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two or more people who identify or acknowledge one another, often in a social or familiar context. Example: "After years apart, they were delighted to recognise each other at the reunion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children can recognise each other.

The Economist

The boys recognise each other as allies.

The Guardian - Books

They would immediately recognise each other.

The Guardian

It's a bit awkward – they clearly don't recognise each other.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Will Sharman Macdonald and I recognise each other with our clothes on?

The Guardian

Cells are covered with bumpy molecules that help them recognise each other and stick together.

The Guardian

You can recognise each other because you've all got the clear, plastic bags.

The Guardian - Books

Today, we and our beneficiaries may well recognise each other from social media by the time we meet.

The Guardian

In a pub, Richard encounters a dim young drug dealer and they seem to recognise each other.

The Guardian - Film

"Women recognise each other; they don't have a block about having women, and certainly not older women".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

are the primary drivers – horns, crests and so on aren't used by species to recognise each other.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recognise each other" when referring to mutual identification or acknowledgement between two or more entities. Ensure the context clearly indicates a reciprocal action.

Common error

Avoid using "recognise each other" when only one party is doing the recognizing. If the action isn't mutual, use a different construction, such as 'one person recognises another'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognise each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes the mutual act of identifying or acknowledging someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recognise each other" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a mutual act of identification or acknowledgement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and versatile. Its usage spans across varied contexts, from news reports to scientific publications, highlighting its broad applicability. The best practice involves ensuring the reciprocity of the action, while common errors involve using the phrase when the recognition isn't mutual. Related alternatives such as "acknowledge each other" and "identify each other" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. The phrase is appropriate for diverse communication registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge each other

Focuses on the act of admitting or accepting the presence or importance of one another.

recognize one another

Uses 'one another' instead of 'each other', indicating a mutual recognition among more than two entities.

identify each other

Emphasizes the ability to distinguish and correctly name or classify one another.

know each other

Implies a level of familiarity or acquaintance between the parties.

are acquainted

Highlights a formal or introductory level of mutual awareness.

see each other

Emphasizes visual perception and acknowledgement upon encountering one another.

understand each other

Stresses a mutual comprehension of thoughts, feelings, or motives.

relate to each other

Highlights the ability to find common ground or connection.

connect with each other

Focuses on establishing an emotional or social bond.

differentiate each other

Emphasizes distinguishing unique features or characteristics.

FAQs

What does "recognise each other" mean?

The phrase "recognise each other" signifies a mutual act of identifying or acknowledging one another, implying that both parties are aware of and can identify the other.

Is there a difference between "recognise each other" and "recognize one another"?

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "recognise each other" is typically used when referring to two entities, whereas "recognize one another" is often used when referring to more than two.

What are some alternatives to "recognise each other"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "recognise each other" could include "acknowledge each other", "identify each other", or "know each other".

How can I use "recognise each other" in a sentence?

You can use "recognise each other" in a sentence like this: "Despite the years that had passed, they were delighted to recognise each other at the reunion".