recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to acknowledging and understanding something or someone. Example: After months of hard work, I finally recognized my own progress.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guatemala needs to recognize on a national level the socio-economic inequality that sees it stumble at the very first of the UN Millennium Development Goals: to end extreme poverty and hunger.

The Guardian

"I like to think that I could recognize it in myself that I've lost it, but most of the time you don't," he told her. "I hope not to abuse the privilege of being one of the founders and therefore not being tapped on the shoulder when the time is right".

The Guardian - Money

In a similar way, DNN technology can detect patterns akin to the way biological systems recognize patterns.

The Guardian - Tech

Social conservatives' refusal to recognize that the policies they advocate have a direct negative impact on women's equal participation in society is the struggle's most infuriating aspect: If the they would only admit there's a war, we might be able to win it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We caveat this data – we have been for decades, cautioning individuals and organizations from drawing conclusions from it, because we recognize it is incomplete data, it is disparate data that leaves too many holes and gaps," Morris said.

The Guardian

"I think they recognize that they are people from California coming in, they don't understand the Congo context immediately and all the facts, but I think since they've come into Congo and CAR they've worked to make sure they don't move too quickly".

The Guardian

The World Hockey Association successfully lured a number of the NHL's best players with a public declaration that they would not recognize the NHL's reserve clause, nor would the WHA implement one of its own.

The Guardian - Sport

All because too many governments don't recognize feminine hygiene as a health issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perry took time to recognize each member of traveling troupe of veterans – even the singing opening act was a former Seal named Pete Scobell, of whom Perry joked: "If any of you have watched [the Tom Hanks film] about Captain Phillips in Somalia, he was a little involved at that, let's just leave at that".

The Guardian

"I recognize that this is a different world with different technologies, different issues and different threats.

The Guardian

"They're basically failing to recognize the humiliation that happened to me," she told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognize", ensure the object of recognition is clearly defined. For example, "recognize the importance of clear communication" is more effective than simply "recognize the importance".

Common error

Avoid using "recognize" when you mean to "reckon", which implies estimating or calculating something. "Recognize" is about acknowledging or identifying.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recognize" is as a transitive verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express the act of identifying something or someone previously known, or to acknowledge the existence or validity of something. Many examples in Ludwig demonstrate it's capacity to express comprehension and perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recognize" functions as a versatile transitive verb used to express identification, acknowledgment, or understanding. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in news, formal business contexts, and scientific discourse. When using "recognize", it's important to ensure clarity in the object being recognized. Alternatives such as "acknowledge", "identify", and "realize" offer nuanced options for expressing similar meanings. Remember that mastering the use of "recognize" can significantly improve the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge

Focuses more on admitting the truth or existence of something.

identify

Emphasizes the act of establishing who or what someone or something is.

realize

Highlights the process of becoming aware of something.

perceive

Stresses the sensory or intuitive understanding of something.

discern

Implies careful observation and judgment in understanding something.

appreciate

Suggests a valuing or understanding of the significance of something.

understand

Focuses on comprehending the meaning or nature of something.

be aware of

Highlights the state of being conscious or informed about something.

take into account

Emphasizes considering something as a relevant factor.

give credence to

Implies accepting something as true or valid.

FAQs

How can I use "recognize" in a sentence?

You can use "recognize" to mean acknowledging something, as in "I "recognize his effort"", or to identify someone or something, as in "Do you "recognize this song"?"

What can I say instead of "recognize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "acknowledge", "identify", or "realize".

Which is correct, "recognize" or "realize"?

"Recognize" and "realize" have overlapping meanings, but "recognize" implies prior knowledge, while "realize" implies a new understanding. For example, "I recognize her from the photo" versus "I realize I made a mistake".

What's the difference between "recognize" and "acknowledge"?

"Recognize" often means to identify something or someone, while "acknowledge" usually implies accepting or admitting something, as in "He acknowledged his error".