recognize each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when two people know each other, but either one (or both) can't place the other person. For example, "My old schoolmate and I saw each other at the mall, but we didn't immediately recognize each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We recognize each other.

The New Yorker

He and Ruth don't recognize each other.

The New Yorker

In the waiting room, Gordie and Eric recognize each other.

The New Yorker

At first we pretend not to recognize each other.

The New Yorker

They recognize each other as, in fact, Other.

The New York Times - Books

"They recognize each other by the hum," she said.

The New York Times

But once old friends began to recognize each other, the laughing and shrieking began.

The New York Times

The two Koreas, by contrast, recognize each other in international organizations like the United Nations.

The New York Times

That was the only way that we could really recognize each other after all those years.

The New Yorker

(This is before the siblings recognize each other and reveal themselves).

The New York Times - Arts

Opposite types apparently recognize each other by a chemical (pheromone) that is released on their body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recognize each other" to emphasize a moment of rediscovery or initial identification after a period of separation or in an unexpected context.

Common error

Avoid using "recognize each other" when simply stating that two people know each other well. "Recognize each other" implies an element of surprise or rediscovery, not just general acquaintance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action or state between two or more entities. It signifies the act of identifying someone or something previously known, often implying a sense of rediscovery or acknowledgment. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recognize each other" is a grammatically correct and frequently used reciprocal verb phrase that describes the mutual act of identifying or acknowledging someone previously known. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. When writing, use "recognize each other" to emphasize a moment of rediscovery or initial identification, and avoid using it when simply stating familiarity. Alternatives like "identify one another" or "distinguish each other" can provide subtle nuances depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify one another

Emphasizes the act of determining each other's identity.

know each other

Focuses on familiarity rather than the act of recognition.

distinguish each other

Highlights the ability to differentiate between individuals.

remember each other

Implies a prior acquaintance and the ability to recall it.

make each other out

Suggests an effort to perceive or understand each other's presence or identity.

perceive one another

Stresses the sensory awareness of each other's existence.

spot each other

Highlights the act of noticing or seeing each other, often in a crowd.

place each other

Emphasizes the ability to assign each other to a specific context or memory.

greet each other

Focuses on the act of acknowledging each other with a salutation.

acknowledge one another

Highlights the act of accepting or admitting the existence of each other.

FAQs

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

You can use "recognize each other" when two people know each other, but there is a moment of rediscovery or identification, like "Even after years apart, they immediately "identified one another"".

What's the difference between "recognize each other" and "know each other"?

"Know each other" implies a general familiarity, while "recognize each other" suggests a specific instance of identifying someone, often after a period of separation or change. For example, old friends might "remember each other" even if they haven't seen each other in years.

What can I say instead of "recognize each other"?

You can use alternatives like "identify one another", "distinguish each other", or ""remember each other"" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "recognized each other" or should I use a different tense?

The past tense "recognized each other" is perfectly correct and commonly used. The appropriate tense depends on the context of the sentence. For example, "They "identified one another" after many years".