recognition

USAGE SUMMARY

"recognition" is a perfectly acceptable and widely used word in written English.
You can use it whenever you wish to refer to the act of acknowledging or appreciating something, such as an achievement or accomplishment. For example, "The board of directors all agreed to give recognition to the employee for her hard work and dedication over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not some "wave of adolescent paranoia," but a recognition of having been let down.

The Economist

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

And core to these capabilities and to the strategy for developing them is a recognition that we need collective leadership.

The Guardian

For Kirsty Sword Gusmao, being appointed an officer of the Order of Australia is not just a recognition of her life's work, but of another country.

The Guardian

"Since its very first exhibition in 2007, Harma Gallery has known great recognition, overcome visitors' expectations and gained popularity and customer loyalty very rapidly.

The Guardian

UN security council resolution 242, adopted in November 1967, called for the withdrawal of Israel's armed forces "from territories occupied in the recent conflict" and recognition of the right for all to live in peace "within secure and recognised boundaries free from threats or acts of force".

The Guardian

There is recognition that change is best accompanied by stability, and democracy only works if debate is conducted in a reasonable atmosphere where words can be bold, even harsh, but not inflammatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

She recognised sorrow; recognition can be a form of healing.

The Guardian - Arts

No change in policy, no change in tone; no tangible recognition of her position.

The Guardian

Both awards were in recognition of the exceptional retail trade marketing over the past year and rewards the strategy of working closely with retail partners to develop sale.

The Guardian

He said the pontiff's decision to refer to the mass killing of Armenians along with crimes perpetrated by Nazism and Stalinism gave the Vatican's "highest sanction" to genocide recognition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, especially in business or academic contexts, consider using "recognition" to highlight the importance of acknowledging contributions or achievements. For instance, "The company places great emphasis on employee recognition programs to foster a positive work environment."

Common error

Avoid using "recognizance" when you mean "recognition". "Recognizance" is a legal term referring to a bond or obligation entered into before a court, while "recognition" refers to acknowledgement or awareness.

Linguistic Context

Recognition functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of recognizing or the state of being recognized. It can refer to awareness, acceptance, or formal acknowledgement, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "recognition" is a versatile noun used to convey acknowledgement, awareness, or acceptance across a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar rules and is widely used in written English. Its frequency is very common, with primary usage in news media, formal business settings, and scientific publications. While "recognition" is generally suitable for formal contexts, alternatives like "acknowledgment" or "realization" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to avoid confusing "recognition" with the legal term "recognizance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledgment

A more formal synonym, often implying explicit acknowledgement.

credit

Giving acknowledgement for an accomplishment or contribution.

realization

Focuses on the moment of understanding or becoming aware.

awareness

Focuses on the state of being conscious or informed.

identification

Emphasizes the act of pinpointing or categorizing something.

understanding

Highlights a comprehension of a particular topic.

appreciation

Highlights the feeling of gratitude or value.

validation

Emphasizes the act of confirming something's truth or worth.

acceptance

Indicates agreement or welcoming of something.

discernment

Implies keen perception or judgment.

FAQs

How to use "recognition" in a sentence?

You can use "recognition" to refer to the act of acknowledging something, such as an achievement. For example, "The employee received recognition for her outstanding performance".

What can I say instead of "recognition"?

You can use alternatives like "acknowledgment", "realization", or "appreciation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "recognition" or "recognizance"?

"Recognition" refers to the act of acknowledging something, while "recognizance" is a legal term for a bond. The correct word depends on the context.

What's the difference between "recognition" and "acknowledgment"?

While both terms relate to acknowledging something, "recognition" often implies a more formal or public acknowledgement, while "acknowledgment" can be more general.