to acknowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to acknowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express recognition or acceptance of something, such as an idea, fact, or situation. Example: "It is important to acknowledge the contributions of all team members during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They refuse to acknowledge her".

The New York Times

"You have to acknowledge that.

The New York Times

Washington refused to acknowledge it.

The New Yorker

To acknowledge their history?

The Guardian - Books

Now we are asked to acknowledge complexities.

The New York Times - Arts

That's what is disturbing to acknowledge.

The New Yorker

He refuses to acknowledge a U-turn.

The Economist

"You need to acknowledge how they feel.

The New York Times

I wondered how to acknowledge this praise.

The New York Times

Climate is the first factor to acknowledge.

Independent

Governments have begun to acknowledge the danger.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to acknowledge" to formally recognize contributions or facts, particularly when giving credit or addressing limitations in research.

Common error

Avoid using "to acknowledge" in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "to notice" or "to see" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to acknowledge" is as an infinitive, often used to introduce a verb phrase that expresses recognition, acceptance, or admission of something. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase serves to introduce a statement or action that recognizes a particular fact or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to acknowledge" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase that is very commonly used to express recognition, acceptance, or admission. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and suitable for formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. While synonyms like "to recognize" and "to admit" offer alternative phrasing, "to acknowledge" carries a distinct nuance of formally recognizing something. When writing, it is best to reserve "to acknowledge" for situations where formality is needed, opting for simpler phrasing in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to recognize

Emphasizes the act of identifying or knowing something.

to admit

Focuses on conceding or confessing something, often reluctantly.

to concede

Suggests yielding or granting something, often in an argument or debate.

to own up to

Implies taking responsibility for something, often a mistake or wrongdoing.

to confess

Refers to admitting something private or damaging, often with a sense of guilt.

to affirm

Highlights the act of stating something is true.

to avow

Implies declaring something openly and confidently.

to recognize the validity of

Acknowledges legitimacy of certain fact.

to take notice of

Focuses on paying attention to something, often something previously overlooked.

to be aware of

Highlights the state of being conscious or informed about something.

FAQs

How can I use "to acknowledge" in a sentence?

Use "to acknowledge" when you want to express recognition or acceptance of a fact, situation, or someone's contribution. For example, "It is important to acknowledge the contributions of all team members".

What is a more informal way to say "to acknowledge"?

In less formal settings, you can use phrases like "to notice", "to see", or "to realize" instead of "to acknowledge".

Is it correct to use "acknowledge" as a noun?

No, "acknowledge" is a verb. The noun form is "acknowledgment". For example, "We sent an acknowledgment of her donation".

When should I use "to acknowledge" versus "to recognize"?

"To acknowledge" often implies admitting something, while "to recognize" means to identify or be aware of something. You might acknowledge a mistake, but recognize a friend in a crowd.