recognizing something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognizing something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of identifying or acknowledging the existence or importance of something. Example: "By recognizing something as a problem, we can begin to address it effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Recognizing something was wrong, the teacher approached Smith's classroom door.

The Guardian

It also is recognizing something fundamental about music lovers that restriction-free online vendors know.

The New York Times

What they are adept at is recognizing something they have already seen.

The New York Times - Tech

Recognizing something special in his body's response, Crohn volunteered himself to researchers, whose parsing of his immunity to H.I.V. improved its treatment.

The New Yorker

What's going on?' He said, 'That's not it.' I said, 'What do you want me to do?' He said, 'I don't know.' Some part of him was recognizing something that wasn't manifesting.

The New York Times - Arts

"Sometimes discoveries depend on recognizing something as interesting even if it wasn't what you were looking for," Boroson says.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I recognized something in him.

The New Yorker

Then I did recognize something: the music.

The New Yorker

I think I recognized something, too.

The New York Times - Travel

In Chenoweth, Markus recognized something of his own upbringing.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognizing something", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being recognized and why it is significant. This enhances clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "recognizing something" without clearly specifying what the 'something' is. Vague usage can weaken your statement. Instead, provide concrete details about what is being recognized to strengthen your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognizing something" functions as a gerund phrase, where "recognizing" acts as a noun. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science & Research

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recognizing something" is a grammatically sound and relatively common gerund phrase used to express the act of identifying or acknowledging a particular detail or fact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general media. While versatile, clarity is key; it's best to specify what the 'something' is to prevent vagueness. Alternatives such as "identifying something" or "acknowledging something" can offer nuanced variations, but the original phrase remains a useful and correct choice in many situations. Its frequency is uncommon, positioning it as a valid but not ubiquitous expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identifying something

Focuses more on the act of pinpointing or naming something specifically.

acknowledging something

Emphasizes the act of accepting or admitting the existence or truth of something.

realizing something

Implies a sudden understanding or awareness of something.

perceiving something

Highlights the sensory or intuitive understanding of something.

noticing something

Suggests a casual or incidental awareness of something.

detecting something

Implies discovering something that is not immediately obvious.

understanding something

Focuses on comprehending the meaning or significance of something.

being aware of something

Emphasizes the state of consciousness or knowledge about something.

becoming conscious of something

Highlights the process of gaining awareness.

grasping something

Suggests a firm understanding or comprehension of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "recognizing something" to indicate acknowledging or identifying a particular aspect, fact, or quality. For example: "By "recognizing something" as a potential problem, you can address it proactively."

What are some alternatives to "recognizing something"?

Alternatives include "identifying something", "acknowledging something", or "realizing something", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "recognizing something" or "to recognize something"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "recognizing something" (gerund form) often functions as a noun phrase or part of a longer phrase, while "to recognize something" (infinitive form) expresses purpose or intention. The best choice depends on the specific sentence structure.

What's the difference between "recognizing something" and "understanding something"?

"Recognizing something" implies identifying or noticing a fact or quality, while "understanding something" involves comprehending its meaning or implications. They are similar but emphasize different aspects of awareness.