recognize them from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize them from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to identifying someone or something based on prior knowledge or experience. Example: "I thought I recognized them from the conference last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You learn to recognize them from both directions".

The New York Times

I grew up knowing the differences in hardwoods, but I learned to recognize them from factory samples.

The New York Times - Books

"It's harder for them to get their arms around them, partly because they're familiar; they recognize them from their own time period," Mr. Fine explained.

The New York Times

Next thing you know, you'll turn on your TV set, spot some gifted musician or comedian — and be grateful that you were culturally tuned-in enough to recognize them from their humble beginnings online.

The New York Times

You recognize them from your daily life, too, of course, since they are invariably found in places where people congregate in herds: on the floors of Congress and the Stock Exchange, in office cafeterias and shopping malls.

The New York Times

The camera also tracks faces and can recognize them from a personal (though for now, cloud-hosted) database for people who need help tracking those with whom they interact.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I had never met them before, but recognized them from photographs.

The New Yorker

I half recognized them from school, but they left without saying a word.

The New Yorker

Even in the dark, Patalarga recognized them from his days as an organizer.

The New Yorker

Their co-workers often recognized them from the local television news.

The New Yorker

A police car drove up to them; a policewoman had recognized them from coverage of the match.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone is recognized, specify the context or feature that makes them recognizable (e.g., "I recognize them from their distinctive laugh.")

Common error

Avoid using the phrase without providing specific details about the context of recognition. Saying "I recognize them from somewhere" is less effective than "I recognize them from the conference last year."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize them from" serves as a verb phrase, primarily functioning to express the ability to identify someone or something based on prior knowledge or experience. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recognize them from" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the act of identifying someone or something based on prior knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI validates this usage, highlighting its prevalence in diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific articles. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it is most effective when paired with specific details about the context of recognition. Consider using alternatives like "identify them by" or "distinguish them by" for a more formal tone. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "recognize them from" can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify them from

A more formal alternative, focusing on pinpointing someone or something from a set of possibilities.

distinguish them by

Highlights using distinguishing features to differentiate and recognize someone or something.

identify them by

Focuses on using specific characteristics to identify someone or something.

know them from

Similar to "know them by", but with a slightly broader implication of familiarity.

know them by

Suggests familiarity and recognition based on previous knowledge or interaction.

spot them by

Focuses on quickly noticing or identifying someone or something based on a particular characteristic.

recall them from

Emphasizes the act of remembering someone or something from a past experience.

remember them by

Highlights using a specific attribute to aid in remembering someone or something.

remember them for

Emphasizes a specific reason or quality for which someone or something is remembered.

place them by

Focuses on associating a person or thing with a particular context or location to aid in recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "recognize them from" in a sentence?

You can use "recognize them from" to indicate that you identify someone or something based on a past encounter or known characteristic. For example, "I "recognize them from" the conference last year" or "I can "recognize them from" their voice."

What's a more formal alternative to "recognize them from"?

A more formal alternative would be "identify them by" or "distinguish them by", depending on the specific context. These options convey a more precise and less casual tone.

Is it correct to say "I recognized him from his photo"?

Yes, that's a perfectly correct and common way to use the phrase. It indicates that you were able to identify him because you had seen his photo before.

How does "recognize them from" differ from "remember them from"?

"Recognize them from" implies an immediate identification upon seeing or hearing them again. "Remember them from" suggests a more active process of recalling them from your memory, not necessarily requiring their immediate presence or a direct stimulus. You might "remember them from" a story someone told you, even if you've never met them.