we recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging or identifying something or someone, often in a context where awareness or understanding is being expressed. Example: "During the meeting, we recognized the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We recognized each other.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We recognized that early on".

The New York Times

"We recognized your voice!" the mother said.

The New Yorker

We recognized her as a stranger.

The New Yorker

Ah, yes: We recognized the place.

The New York Times - Travel

"We recognized that in each other".

The New York Times

"We recognized that it was unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead we recognized it as a class act.

The New York Times

We recognized the fact that they hadn't done the analysis.

The New Yorker

It wasn't shaped like any craft we recognized.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We recognize that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "we recognized" and similar phrases like "we acknowledged" or "we realized". The best choice will depend on the context and the exact meaning you intend to communicate.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions when using "we recognized". Instead of saying "it was recognized by us", opt for the more direct and active "we recognized it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we recognized" functions as a statement of acknowledgment or identification. It typically introduces a clause explaining what was identified or understood. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we recognized" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate acknowledgement, identification, or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially news, media, and scientific writing, and holds a neutral register making it suitable for professional communication as well. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and remember the many alternatives, like "we acknowledged" or "we identified". Avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain a clear and authoritative tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we acknowledged

Replaces "recognized" with "acknowledged", emphasizing a formal acceptance or admission.

we identified

Substitutes "recognized" with "identified", focusing on the act of establishing the identity of something or someone.

we realized

Uses "realized" instead of "recognized", highlighting a moment of sudden awareness or understanding.

we understood

Replaces "recognized" with "understood", stressing comprehension or grasp of a concept or situation.

we discerned

Substitutes "recognized" with "discerned", suggesting a more careful or perceptive identification.

we perceived

Uses "perceived" instead of "recognized", indicating a sensory awareness or intuitive understanding.

we detected

Replaces "recognized" with "detected", implying the discovery of something not immediately obvious.

we noticed

Substitutes "recognized" with "noticed", pointing to a simple observation or awareness.

we spotted

Uses "spotted" instead of "recognized", emphasizing a quick or casual visual identification.

we determined

Replaces "recognized" with "determined", focusing on the act of concluding something after investigation or consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "we recognized" to indicate that a group or team identified, acknowledged, or understood something. For example: "We recognized the need for a new strategy" or "We recognized him from the photograph".

What are some alternatives to "we recognized"?

Some alternatives to "we recognized" include "we acknowledged", "we identified", or "we realized". The best alternative depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "we recognized" formal or informal?

"We recognized" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in various contexts, including professional, academic, and general communication. The level of formality also depends on the surrounding language and overall tone.

What's the difference between "we recognized" and "we noticed"?

"We recognized" implies a more active or significant identification, often involving understanding or acknowledgment. In contrast, "we noticed" simply means that something came to our attention without necessarily implying deep understanding or acknowledgment.