we can recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to identify or acknowledge something, often in a context of understanding or awareness. Example: "In this study, we can recognize the significant impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We can recognize Salomon apart from history.

The New York Times - Arts

Raise your hand so we can recognize you.

The New York Times

Dr. Hill added: "We can recognize minute differences.

The New York Times

"We can recognize organizations like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The New York Times

We can recognize that we don't know everything.

The New York Times

This type of self-reference we can recognize easily, especially in our goal-oriented behavior.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Just listening to one of the calls … We can recognize voices.

The Guardian

In the shape of the branches we can recognize an older or younger tree.

The New York Times - Arts

But we can recognize his contributions without giving him any additional chances to disgrace the game.

The New York Times

We can recognize beauty in nature in National Geographic photos and "Planet Earth" specials on television.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But we'll get cars that are more fun to drive, cleaner air and a climate we can recognize.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we can recognize" when you want to emphasize the ability to identify or acknowledge something based on specific criteria or understanding. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "we" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "we can recognize" in vague or ambiguous situations. Always provide a clear reference point or criteria for recognition to avoid confusion. For example, instead of just stating "We can recognize the issue", specify "We can recognize the issue based on the recent data analysis."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can recognize" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing the ability to identify, acknowledge, or understand something. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage and offers examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we can recognize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various domains, including news, academia, and science. Ludwig confirms its correctness, highlighting its versatility in expressing the ability to identify or acknowledge something. The phrase carries a neutral tone but can adapt to more formal contexts depending on the source. When using "we can recognize", ensure clarity by providing specific criteria or reference points for recognition to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "we are able to identify" or "we can discern" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are able to identify

Emphasizes capability and skill in identifying something.

we are capable of understanding

Emphasizes the capacity to grasp the meaning or significance of something.

we have the ability to discern

Highlights the power and capacity to distinguish something, suggesting a careful and perceptive process.

we manage to distinguish

Highlights the successful separation of something from a background or group.

we can make out

Implies perceiving something with effort, especially when it's unclear or distant.

it is possible for us to perceive

Highlights the possibility of sensing or becoming aware of something.

we are able to spot

Suggests a quick and easy recognition of something, often something easily missed.

we are in a position to acknowledge

Focuses on accepting or admitting something, often something previously denied or ignored.

we are in a position to notice

Focuses on the act of paying attention to something and becoming aware of it.

we can appreciate

Implies recognizing the value or importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "we can recognize" in a sentence?

You can use "we can recognize" to express the ability to identify or acknowledge something based on understanding or specific criteria. For example: "We can recognize the pattern" or "We can recognize the importance of this issue".

What are some alternatives to "we can recognize"?

Alternatives include "we are able to identify", "we can discern", or "we can make out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we can recognize" or should I use another phrase?

"We can recognize" is grammatically correct and widely used. The choice of whether to use it depends on the context and the specific meaning you want to convey. Other phrases like "we can identify" or "we can acknowledge" may be suitable alternatives.

What is the difference between "we can recognize" and "we can identify"?

"We can recognize" implies a familiarity or prior knowledge that allows for identification, while ""we can identify"" simply means being able to point something out. For instance, "We can recognize a friend in a crowd" suggests prior knowledge of the friend, whereas "We can identify the source of the problem" indicates the ability to determine the cause.