take cognizance of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take cognizance of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to draw attention to something, or to acknowledge that you have noticed or considered it. For example, "The management team took cognizance of the fact that the employee had been working beyond her regular hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

If art must take cognizance of morality, equally morality must take cognizance of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A spokesman for the Chicago Board of Elections, Tom Leach, said, "Certainly, the board would take cognizance of that court order, if any other similar challenge was filed".

The New York Times

The arrangement was subject to the agreement that countries actually supplying additional currency would have the right to take cognizance of how the Fund used it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I think we all must take cognizance of the fact that this is a threat and work on it together — not against one another".

The New Yorker

FICCI hopes that the Government would take cognizance of the need to rein in fiscal deficit and contain expenditure on subsidies by taking corrective measures particularly in the pricing of petroleum products.

The New York Times

In box-office terms, he might get by with playing opposite Doris Day in "That Touch of Mink," but he was interchangeable with Rock Hudson in this sort of picture, and the role was a little demeaning — it didn't take cognizance of his grace or of the authority that enduring stardom confers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

That is, Jewish law takes cognizance of medical necessity.

The New York Times - Magazine

By actual count, 479 people, including children took cognizance of his passage, some calling "Lights Off ., or "Lights On!" or just "Lights!" View Article By Alan Burdick By Larissa MacFarquhar By Phil Klay By Masha Gessen.

The New Yorker

The ouster of members of Parliament who have sexual assault cases pending against them, as soon as a court takes cognizance of such a case.

The New York Times

The encyclical Rerum Novarum ("Of New Things") in 1891, though rather cautious in its approach, showed that the papacy had taken cognizance of the problems of the working class.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He proceeds: "It is obvious from the whole tenor of Sir Edward Grey's communication that he could not have taken cognizance of the President's proclamation fixing the canal tolls".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take cognizance of" when you want to emphasize the importance of being aware of something, especially in formal or professional contexts. It adds a layer of seriousness to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "take cognizance of" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be aware of" or "note".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take cognizance of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of acknowledging or being aware of something, often with a sense of formality. It suggests a deliberate act of noticing and considering relevant information. As shown in Ludwig, this is a valid and accepted phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take cognizance of" is a formal verb phrase used to indicate awareness and acknowledgment of something important. As verified by Ludwig, its primary function is to ensure attention is given to specific details, especially in formal, professional, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and widely used, it is best to avoid this phrase in informal settings, as it can sound overly stilted. Alternatives like "be aware of" or "take note of" may be more appropriate in casual conversations. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use "take cognizance of". The phrase's authoritative presence in sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica solidifies its correctness and continued relevance in formal English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take note of

Implies a focused attention to something that should be remembered.

be mindful of

Emphasizes attentiveness and consideration of something important.

bear in mind

Suggests keeping something in consideration while making decisions.

keep in view

Suggests maintaining focus on something relevant.

be aware of

This is a more direct and less formal way to express awareness.

pay attention to

Highlights the act of giving focus to something.

give consideration to

More elaborate way to express attentiveness to something.

recognize

Emphasizes the acknowledgment and understanding of something.

acknowledge

Implies acceptance of the existence or truth of something.

consider

A simple and direct way to say to think about something.

FAQs

What does "take cognizance of" mean?

To "take cognizance of" something means to be aware of it, to acknowledge it, and to consider its importance. It often implies a formal acknowledgment.

When is it appropriate to use "take cognizance of"?

This phrase is best suited for formal writing, legal contexts, or professional communications where you want to emphasize that something has been officially noted and considered. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives are preferable.

What can I say instead of "take cognizance of"?

You can use alternatives like "be aware of", "take note of", or "consider" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "take cognizance of" and "take notice of"?

"Take cognizance of" is more formal and implies a deeper level of consideration, often in an official capacity. "Take notice of" is more general and simply means to pay attention to something.