won recognition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'won recognition' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has been honored or noticed in a positive way, either publicly or privately. For example: "The brave firefighter won recognition from the city council for his efforts in rescuing stranded citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She had won recognition.

The New Yorker

The Spiels' restaurant won recognition as well as more sales.

The New York Times - Magazine

The technique has won recognition as a significant technological breakthrough.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Mr. Achmat has won recognition around the world.

The New York Times

They have won recognition because of their ability to transform theoretical knowledge into practical action.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

One Cornell team walked away having won recognition for the Most Innovative Idea.

Cornell University

Still, many immigrant restaurateurs have resisted formulas and won recognition by following their traditions.

The New York Times - Food

As a teenager, he won recognition as an accomplished preacher at Pentecostal revival meetings.

The New York Times

He won recognition as a brilliant research chemist, becoming department chairman by the age of 38.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company struggled for many years even as it won recognition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Last July, Conectainnova won recognition--and a €15,000 cash prize--from the regional government as the best local business initiative of the year.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "won recognition" to highlight instances where an individual or entity has received acknowledgment or praise for their achievements or qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "win" with abstract nouns that don't represent a competition or contest. For instance, it's generally incorrect to say "won understanding"; instead, use "gained understanding". "Won" is best when something was earned through effort or competition resulting in acknowledgement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "won recognition" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "won" is the past tense of "win" and "recognition" is a noun. It describes the action of gaining acknowledgment, praise, or approval for an achievement, quality, or service. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "won recognition" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of receiving acknowledgement or praise. As validated by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is sound, and its usage spans various contexts, notably in news media and encyclopedic entries. It's crucial to use "won" correctly with abstract nouns and to appreciate the subtle differences between "won recognition" and alternatives like "gained acknowledgement" or "received acclaim". Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received acclaim

Replaces "won" with "received", focusing on the act of obtaining positive feedback.

gained acknowledgement

Substitutes "recognition" with "acknowledgement", implying a more formal or official acceptance.

earned praise

Emphasizes the effort made to deserve recognition by using the verb "earned".

achieved prominence

Highlights the attainment of a high profile or status.

obtained approval

Focuses on gaining formal consent or endorsement.

secured respect

Implies that recognition came in the form of increased esteem and regard.

garnered attention

Indicates that the subject attracted notice and interest, leading to recognition.

attracted notice

Stresses the fact of being noticed or observed, often as a first step towards recognition.

became renowned

Indicates that the subject gained wide-spread fame and prestige.

stood out

Highlights that the subject was easily recognized for its exceptional characteristics.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "won recognition"?

You can use alternatives such as "received acclaim", "gained acknowledgement", or "earned praise" depending on the context.

How is "won recognition" typically used in a sentence?

"Won recognition" is usually followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the reason or area for which recognition was received, for example, "The scientist won recognition for her groundbreaking research".

Is "won recognition" formal or informal?

"Won recognition" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, alternatives such as "received acclaim" or "gained acknowledgement" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "won recognition" and "achieved recognition"?

While both phrases are similar, "won recognition" often implies a competitive aspect or overcoming challenges to gain acknowledgement, while "achieved recognition" suggests a more general attainment of acknowledgement through effort or success.