recognize to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize to" is not correct and usable in written English.
It does not convey a clear meaning and is not a standard expression in English. Example: "I cannot recognize to whom this belongs."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

So it's no wonder that we're drawn to things we recognize — to things that are familiar — and stick with them.

The New York Times

But I do recognize, to some degree, it's now or maybe never for me, in terms of running for something.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it's just as likely that they, too, have become so convinced of their alternative reality that what we recognize to be fiction genuinely constitutes their fact.

The New Yorker

A broad swath of Christians in this country have begun to recognize, to study and even embrace the Jewish roots of their faith.

The New York Times

But Sergeant Crowley said Thursday that he was only protecting himself when he asked Professor Gates, whom he did not recognize, to come out and identify himself.

The New York Times

She happens to like an image that recording executives recognize to be currently marketable, but if that image becomes unmarketable, her team will force her to change or drop her like a hot potato.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Many were recognized to be periodic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Glycemia is recognized to change with age.

Diabetes Care

Recognize when to leave.

WikiHow

Recognize mild to moderate infant dehydration symptoms.

WikiHow

Clinton appears to recognize this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "recognize to" in formal writing. Instead, use more grammatically correct alternatives such as "recognize that", "acknowledge", or "identify" depending on the context.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use "recognize to" when they simply mean "recognize". This often leads to grammatically incorrect sentences. Always double-check your sentence structure and consider using a more precise verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize to" typically attempts to function as a verb phrase, aiming to express acknowledgement or understanding. However, it's often grammatically incorrect. Ludwig examples showcase this error across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recognize to" appears frequently but is generally considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it doesn't conform to standard English usage, often arising from a misunderstanding of the verb "recognize". While its intended purpose is to convey acknowledgement or comprehension, clearer alternatives such as "recognize that", "acknowledge", or "identify" are recommended, especially in formal contexts. Although prevalent across news, media, and scientific sources, its non-standard nature suggests caution in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge

A more direct and grammatically sound substitute for expressing acceptance or awareness.

identify

Focuses on the act of discerning or recognizing something specific.

perceive

Emphasizes the sensory or intuitive understanding of something.

discern

Implies a more careful and thoughtful process of recognition.

realize

Highlights the moment of becoming fully aware or understanding something.

understand

Focuses on grasping the meaning or nature of something.

recognize that

Adding "that" clarifies the structure and introduces a clause.

become aware of

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge or understanding.

take notice of

Emphasizes the act of paying attention and acknowledging something.

appreciate

Conveys a sense of understanding and valuing something.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "recognize to" in a sentence?

Replace "recognize to" with a more grammatically sound alternative like "recognize that", "acknowledge", or "identify". The best choice depends on the specific context of your sentence.

What are some alternatives to "recognize to" that maintain a similar meaning?

Depending on the intended meaning, you could use phrases like "become aware of", "take notice of", or simply "recognize" (followed by a "that" clause if necessary).

Is "recognize to" ever grammatically correct?

In most modern English contexts, "recognize to" is not considered grammatically correct. It's usually a misuse or misunderstanding of the verb "recognize". Using alternatives will improve clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between saying "recognize to" and simply "recognize"?

Saying simply "recognize" (often followed by a "that" clause) is generally correct. The inclusion of "to" after "recognize" often creates an ungrammatical construction. For example, "I recognize that you are correct" is preferred over "I recognize to be correct".