recognize something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of identifying or acknowledging something, whether it's an object, a concept, or a person's contribution. Example: "I can easily recognize something as significant when it has a profound impact on my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then I did recognize something: the music.

The New Yorker

We all strained to recognize something, anything from our childhoods.

The New York Times - Magazine

They name the evil, but they recognize something beyond it".

The New York Times

"Apparently," he said, "they recognize something we don't".

The New York Times

"I feel like maybe we recognize something in each other.

The Guardian

The less energy required to recognize something, the better.

Harvard Business Review

Even if he didn't understand the words, he seemed to recognize something, something worth listening to.

The New Yorker

The journalist in Mr. Remnick might recognize something of the same quality in himself.

The New York Times

Does this mirror image allow Paul and Mallory to recognize something about their own relationship?

The New Yorker

How do you recognize something that is not in the known vocabulary of your emotions?

The New Yorker

Katharine makes a personal connection to the inventory: "I recognize something in myself.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined or easily inferred from the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They couldn't recognize something," be more specific: "They couldn't recognize something familiar in the landscape."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "something" without providing sufficient context. Overuse can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead of writing "He seemed to recognize something," specify what he recognized: "He seemed to recognize something from his past."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize something" functions as a verb phrase where "recognize" is the verb, and "something" is the direct object. It signifies the act of identifying or acknowledging something. Ludwig AI shows examples where it's used in various contexts to express understanding or identification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recognize something" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the act of identifying or acknowledging a particular object, quality, or fact. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings, making it a generally neutral and widely understood expression. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the 'something' is clear and well-defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "identify something", "detect something", and "notice something" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify something

Focuses on the act of pinpointing or naming something specific, often in a more formal or analytical context.

detect something

Suggests discovering something that might not be immediately obvious, often implying a degree of skill or sensitivity.

perceive something

Emphasizes the mental awareness or understanding of something, highlighting the cognitive aspect.

notice something

Implies a casual or unintentional observation, often referring to something that stands out or attracts attention.

realize something

Indicates a moment of understanding or becoming aware of something, often after a period of unawareness.

discern something

Suggests careful and thoughtful observation leading to understanding, often applied to subtle or complex matters.

ascertain something

Refers to finding something out for certain; discovering the true facts about something.

discover something

Conveys the act of finding something new or previously unknown, suggesting exploration or investigation.

acknowledge something

Implies accepting or admitting the existence or truth of something, often despite initial reluctance.

appreciate something

Indicates understanding the value or significance of something, often with a sense of gratitude or admiration.

FAQs

What does "recognize something" mean?

The phrase "recognize something" means to identify or acknowledge a particular object, quality, or fact. It implies a degree of familiarity or understanding upon encountering it.

How can I use "recognize something" in a sentence?

You can use "recognize something" to describe the act of identifying or acknowledging something. For example, "I recognize something familiar in her smile" or "Scientists recognize something significant in the new data".

What are some alternatives to "recognize something"?

Alternatives to "recognize something" include phrases like "identify something", "detect something", or "notice something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "recognize something" or "recognize that"?

The choice between "recognize something" and "recognize that" depends on the context. Use "recognize something" when referring to an object, quality, or feature. Use "recognize that" when acknowledging a fact or idea. For example, "I recognize something in his eyes" versus "I recognize that he is telling the truth".