recognise that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognise that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging or accepting a fact or situation. Example: "It is important to recognise that climate change is a pressing issue that affects us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suspect Mr Miliband does recognise that.

The Economist

It's inconsiderate and most adults recognise that.

BBC

I recognise that".

Independent

We have to recognise that.

The Economist

"We need to recognise that.

Independent

Now I definitely recognise that face.

Independent

Does Kearney recognise that?

The Guardian

But all recognise that something must change.

The Economist

I recognise that same trait in myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I believe the world should recognise that".

The Economist

Personally, I don't recognise that term.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recognise that" to formally acknowledge a fact or situation, lending credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "recognise that" excessively in casual conversation; opt for simpler alternatives like "realise" or "understand" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognise that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It serves to acknowledge or recognize a fact or situation, as demonstrated in numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recognise that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to acknowledge or understand a particular fact or situation. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and widely accepted. It appears most often in news and media and scientific writing, with a neutral to formal tone. While generally interchangeable with alternatives like "acknowledge that" or "realise that", "recognise that" has a slightly more formal connotation. When writing, consider the context to determine if a simpler alternative would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge that

Replaces "recognise" with a synonym emphasizing formal acknowledgment.

realise that

Emphasizes a sudden understanding or awareness of something.

understand that

Focuses on the comprehension aspect of the information.

be aware that

Highlights the state of being informed about something.

take into account that

Suggests considering something as a relevant factor.

appreciate that

Adds a layer of gratitude or understanding of value.

bear in mind that

Implies remembering or keeping something in consideration.

consider that

Suggests thinking about something carefully.

accept that

Implies agreeing or coming to terms with a fact.

concede that

Suggests reluctantly admitting something is true.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "recognise that"?

You can use alternatives like "acknowledge that", "realise that", or "understand that" depending on the context.

How do I use "recognise that" in a sentence?

"Recognise that" is typically followed by a clause. For example: "We must recognise that climate change is a pressing issue."

Is "recognise that" formal or informal?

"Recognise that" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "realise that" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "recognise that" and "acknowledge that"?

While similar, "acknowledge that" often implies a more explicit and formal admission compared to "recognise that", which can simply denote awareness.