What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recognise
Example
I recognise that voice, it's my old friend from college. [recognise: verb]
Example
She recognised the painting as one she had seen in a museum before. [recognised: past tense]
Example
The company recognised his hard work and dedication with a promotion. [recognised: past participle]
identify
Example
Can you identify the suspect in this photo? [identify: verb]
Example
The forensic team was able to identify the victim through dental records. [identify: verb]
Example
He identifies as a feminist and supports women's rights. [identifies: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recognize is more commonly used than identify in everyday language. Recognize is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while identify is more specific and often used in technical or scientific settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recognise and identify?
Identify is generally considered more formal than recognize. It is often used in technical or scientific contexts and can have a serious connotation. Recognize, on the other hand, can be more casual or friendly and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
