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acknowledge meaning and examples

2025-08-22

Meaning

The verb acknowledge means to recognize, accept, or admit the existence, truth, or importance of something. It can also mean showing appreciation or giving credit.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Verb (transitive)

  • Common patterns:

    • acknowledge + noun (acknowledge a problem, acknowledge a gift)
    • acknowledge + that-clause (acknowledge that he was wrong)
    • acknowledge + object + as + complement (acknowledge him as a leader)

Common Phrases

  • acknowledge receipt of (to confirm receiving something, often in business letters)
  • acknowledge responsibility (to admit responsibility)
  • acknowledge contribution (to give credit for help or effort)

Collocations

  • acknowledge a fact / mistake / truth
  • acknowledge support / help / contribution
  • acknowledge authority / leadership
  • formally acknowledge
  • gratefully acknowledge

Examples

  1. She refused to acknowledge her mistake.
  2. The company acknowledged receipt of my application.
  3. He acknowledged that the project had failed.
  4. The author gratefully acknowledged his editor’s support.
  5. The teacher acknowledged the student’s effort.
  6. They finally acknowledged the importance of teamwork.
  7. He acknowledged her as the best candidate for the job.
  8. We should acknowledge the contributions of all team members.
  9. The government acknowledged the need for urgent action.
  10. She nodded to acknowledge his presence.
  • admit
  • recognize
  • accept
  • concede
  • confess