recognize one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize one another" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to mutual acknowledgment or identification between two or more people or entities. Example: "After years apart, they were thrilled to finally recognize one another at the reunion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Male veterans recognize one another on campus -- a buzz cut, a camouflage bag, a tattoo -- but female veterans are less easy to identify and so have more trouble forming groups.

Huffington Post

A. Depending on the circumstances, birds can recognize one another by a complex menu of plumage, shape, behavior and especially song, but it is not always so important to them to make the call, said Kevin McGowan, an ornithologist with the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in Ithaca, N.Y.

The New York Times - Science

The first is to encourage Americans across every possible group line to recognize one another as being part of a single community of Americans based on our shared membership in the civic nation.

Huffington Post

After graduating, they can forever recognize one another.

The New York Times - Books

The question is whether they will recognize one another.

The New York Times - Arts

Residents no longer recognize one another, she said, and storekeepers no longer look after children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

People recognized one another & nodded but there wasn't any conversation.

The New Yorker

"They had come together so quickly, as if they recognized one another in some physical way".

The Guardian - Books

Some had trouble recognizing one another, the years having reshaped faces and dimmed eyes.

The New York Times

Unlike their thousands of ordinary nest mates, they recognized one another as individuals.

The New Yorker

But first they shopped — some members recognizing one another from their purses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recognize one another" when you want to emphasize a mutual act of identification, often implying a pre-existing relationship or shared characteristic. For instance, "Members of the same profession often recognize one another at conferences."

Common error

Avoid using "recognize one another" when the intended meaning is simply that two people are acquainted. "Know each other" is more appropriate for general acquaintance, while "recognize one another" suggests a more specific act of identification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize one another" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase. It describes a mutual action where two or more entities identify each other, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recognize one another" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote mutual identification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields like news, science, and general discourse. While alternatives such as "identify each other" exist, "recognize one another" specifically highlights the reciprocal nature of the act. When choosing the best alternative, it’s essential to consider the precise context and desired emphasis to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify each other

Replaces "recognize" with "identify", focusing on the act of establishing the identity of each person by another.

know each other

Uses "know" to indicate a level of familiarity that allows for recognition.

distinguish one from another

Emphasizes the ability to differentiate between individuals.

mutually acknowledge each other

Stresses the reciprocal act of accepting or recognizing each other's existence or status.

perceive each other

Focuses on the act of noticing or becoming aware of each other's presence or qualities.

tell each other apart

Highlights the ability to differentiate, especially when individuals might appear similar.

discern one another

Focuses on the ability to perceive or recognize subtle differences between individuals.

are acquainted

Indicates a formal level of mutual knowledge or familiarity.

have knowledge of each other

Emphasizes the possession of information about each other, leading to recognition.

are familiar with each other

Highlights the mutual understanding and ease that comes from knowing each other.

FAQs

How can I use "recognize one another" in a sentence?

"Recognize one another" indicates a mutual act of identification. For example, "Despite the years, old friends often "recognize one another" instantly."

What is a good alternative to "recognize one another"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "identify each other", "know each other", or "distinguish one from another".

Is it correct to say "recognize each other" instead of "recognize one another"?

Both "recognize each other" and ""recognize one another"" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context.

What does "recognize one another" imply?

The phrase ""recognize one another"" implies a mutual act of identification, suggesting that individuals or entities are able to identify each other based on shared characteristics, prior knowledge, or some other form of recognition.