recognised each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognised each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where two or more people identify or acknowledge one another, often after a period of separation or in a new context. Example: "After years apart, they finally met again at the conference and recognised each other immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The PLO and Israel formally recognised each other in 1993.

The Guardian

They have been criticised about the fact that housemates have recognised each other upon entering.

The Guardian

(The PLO and Israel recognised each other in the 1993 Oslo agreement).

The Guardian

The passengers and the crew often recognised each other or even knew each other well.

The Guardian

People who had never met before recognised each other as colleagues and in a few intense hours became friends.

The Guardian

We recognised each other from one of the city's least exclusive clubs, a place where the main criterion for belonging is wanting to.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognised each other", ensure the context clearly indicates that both parties are engaging in the act of recognition simultaneously.

Common error

Avoid using "recognised each other" when the action is not reciprocal. If only one person is recognizing the other, use "recognised him/her/them" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognised each other" functions as a reciprocal construction, indicating a mutual action between two or more parties. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its use in describing mutual identification or acknowledgment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Lifestyle

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recognised each other" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the mutual identification or acknowledgment between two or more people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and lifestyle-related content. While alternatives like "identified one another" or "acknowledged each other" exist for more formal settings, the phrase remains versatile. Remember to ensure reciprocity in the action and choose the spelling appropriate for your target audience to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified one another

Focuses on the act of distinguishing and acknowledging each other's identity.

acknowledged each other

Emphasizes the act of accepting or recognizing each other's presence or importance.

knew each other

Highlights prior familiarity or acquaintance.

were acquainted

Suggests a formal or distant level of knowing each other.

had met before

Specifically points out a previous encounter.

greeted each other

Focuses on the act of exchanging greetings.

spotted each other

Implies a visual recognition, often in a crowd.

made contact

Highlights the establishment of communication or connection.

connected with one another

Suggests a deeper, more meaningful connection.

related to one another

Focuses on finding common ground or shared experiences.

FAQs

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

You can use "recognised each other" to describe a situation where two or more people identify or acknowledge one another, often after a period of separation or in a new context. For example: "After years apart, they finally met again at the conference and "recognised each other" immediately."

What's a more formal way to say "recognised each other"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "identified one another" or "acknowledged each other". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

Is it correct to say "recognized each other" or "recognised each other"?

Both spellings are correct, but "recognized" is more common in American English, while "recognised" is preferred in British English. Choose the spelling that aligns with your intended audience.

What is the difference between "knew each other" and "recognised each other"?

"Knew each other" implies prior familiarity, while "recognised each other" suggests identifying someone upon seeing them again, even if they "had met before".