Acknowledged vs. Acknowledge — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Acknowledged" is the past tense of "acknowledge," indicating that recognition or admission has already occurred, whereas "acknowledge" refers to the act of recognizing or admitting something presently or in the future.
Difference Between Acknowledged and Acknowledge
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Acknowledge" involves the act of recognizing, admitting, or expressing awareness of a fact or situation. It is often used when someone is in the process of accepting or admitting the truth or existence of something. On the other hand, "acknowledged" is used to describe a fact, situation, or action that has been recognized or admitted in the past. It implies that the act of recognition or admission has already taken place.
For instance, one might acknowledge a colleague's contribution to a project, indicating a current or future intention to give credit where it is due. For example, if someone's contributions were acknowledged at a meeting last week, this recognition is now a completed action.
In the context of communication, to "acknowledge" a message means to signal receipt or awareness, often before a full reply is given. This can be crucial in settings where timely responses are valued but an immediate, comprehensive answer is not possible. Conversely, when someone says a message was "acknowledged," it means the receiver has already confirmed seeing or understanding the message. This past action reassures the sender that their communication has been received, though it does not necessarily indicate agreement or approval.
The use of "acknowledge" can also extend to showing gratitude or appreciation, such as acknowledging someone's support or kindness. This usage emphasizes an ongoing or imminent action of giving thanks.
"Acknowledged," in contrast, can signify that thanks or appreciation has been given, completing the action of gratitude. This form suggests that the individual or entity has already received the recognition or thanks they were due, reflecting a completed exchange of goodwill.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Form
Past tense and past participle form of the verb.
Base form of the verb (present tense).
Time Reference
Past action.
Present or future action.
Usage in Communication
Indicates recognition or admission has occurred.
Indicates intention to recognize or admit.
Implication of Action
Action is completed.
Action is ongoing or about to happen.
Context of Gratitude
Used after thanks have been given.
Used when planning to give thanks.
Compare with Definitions
Acknowledged
Recognized as being good or important.
Her talent was acknowledged by many.
Acknowledge
To show that you have seen or heard something.
He nodded to acknowledge her presence.
Acknowledged
Gratitude or appreciation has been expressed.
Their support was gratefully acknowledged.
Acknowledge
To accept or admit the existence or truth of something.
She acknowledged her mistakes.
Acknowledged
Confirmation that something has been received.
Your application has been acknowledged.
Acknowledge
To confirm the receipt of something.
Acknowledge the email as soon as you read it.
Acknowledged
Having admitted something.
He acknowledged his error.
Acknowledge
To recognize the truth or importance of something.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
Acknowledged
Acceptance of truth or facts previously.
The issue was acknowledged in last week's meeting.
Acknowledge
To express gratitude for a contribution or help.
We would like to acknowledge our sponsors.
Acknowledged
Commonly accepted or recognized.
Acknowledge
Accept or admit the existence or truth of
The plight of the refugees was acknowledged by the authorities
The government acknowledged that the tax was unfair
‘That's true,’ she acknowledged
Acknowledged
Generally accepted, recognized or admitted.
Acknowledge
Recognize the importance or quality of
The hotel is widely acknowledged as one of Cornwall's finest
The art world has begun to acknowledge his genius
Acknowledged
Simple past tense and past participle of acknowledg
Acknowledge
Show that one has noticed or recognized (someone) by making a gesture or greeting
She refused to acknowledge my presence
Acknowledged
Simple past tense and past participle of acknowledge
Acknowledge
To admit the existence or truth of
The doctors acknowledged that the treatment had not been successful.
Acknowledged
Generally accepted or recognized as correct or reasonable. Opposite of unacknowledged.
Acknowledge
To express recognition of; make notice of
"When he saw me acknowledge him, he smiled as if we were dear friends" (Angela Patrinos).
Acknowledged
Recognized or made known or admitted;
The acknowledged leader of the community
A woman of acknowledged accomplishments
His acknowledged error
Acknowledge
To express gratitude or appreciation for or to
Acknowledged the contributions of the volunteers.
Acknowledged her editor in the preface to the book.
Acknowledged
Generally accepted
Acknowledge
To report the receipt of (something) to the sender or giver
Acknowledge a letter.
Acknowledge
(Law) To accept or certify as legally binding
Acknowledge a deed of ownership.
Acknowledge
(transitive) To admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in
To acknowledge the being of a god
Acknowledge
(transitive) To own or recognize in a particular quality, character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.
Acknowledge
(transitive) To be grateful of (e.g. a benefit or a favour)
To acknowledge a favor
Acknowledge
(transitive) To report (the receipt of a message to its sender).
This is to acknowledge your kind invitation to participate in the upcoming debate.
Acknowledge
(transitive) To own as genuine or valid; to assent to (a legal instrument) to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form.
Acknowledge
To own or admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in; as, to acknowledge the being of a God.
I acknowledge my transgressions.
For ends generally acknowledged to be good.
Acknowledge
To own or recognize in a particular character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him.
By my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee.
Acknowledge
To own with gratitude or as a benefit or an obligation; as, to acknowledge a favor, the receipt of a letter.
They his gifts acknowledged none.
Acknowledge
To own as genuine; to assent to, as a legal instrument, to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form; as, to acknowledge a deed.
Acknowledge
Declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of;
He admitted his errors
She acknowledged that she might have forgotten
Acknowledge
Report the receipt of;
The program committee acknowledged the submission of the authors of the paper
Acknowledge
Express recognition of the presence or existence of, or acquaintance with;
He never acknowledges his colleagues when they run into him in the hallway
She acknowledged his complement with a smile
It is important to acknowledge the work of others in one's own writing
Acknowledge
Express obligation, thanks, or gratitude for;
We must acknowledge the kindness she showed towards us
Acknowledge
Accept as legally binding and valid;
Acknowledge the deed
Acknowledge
Accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority;
The Crown Prince was acknowledged as the true heir to the throne
We do not recognize your gods
Common Curiosities
Is "acknowledge" only used in positive contexts?
No, "acknowledge" can be used in both positive and negative contexts, such as acknowledging achievements or admitting faults.
Does "acknowledged" always refer to the past?
Yes, "acknowledged" is the past tense form, indicating actions or recognitions that have already occurred.
How important is it to acknowledge a message in professional settings?
In professional settings, acknowledging a message is crucial as it indicates the message has been received and is being considered, fostering effective communication.
How does digital communication affect the use of "acknowledge"?
Digital communication has increased the use of "acknowledge" to indicate the receipt and initial processing of messages, even automated ones.
Can "acknowledge" be used in legal contexts?
Yes, "acknowledge" is often used in legal contexts to indicate the recognition of agreements, documents, or facts before proceeding.
Can "acknowledged" imply agreement?
"Acknowledged" implies recognition or admission but does not necessarily indicate agreement with the content or situation.
Can "acknowledge" imply submission?
While it can imply recognition of authority or facts, "acknowledge" does not inherently convey submission but rather acceptance or admission.
Can "acknowledged" be used without specifying what was acknowledged?
Yes, "acknowledged" can be used generally, but specifying what was acknowledged provides clarity and context.
Can an acknowledgment be retracted?
While an initial acknowledgment can be clarified or elaborated upon, retracting an acknowledgment, especially in formal contexts, can be complex and may affect credibility.
Is there a difference in formality between "acknowledge" and "acknowledged"?
The level of formality is similar, but their use differs based on the time reference of the action (present/future vs. past).
How does acknowledging something affect relationships?
Acknowledging contributions, feelings, or facts can strengthen relationships by demonstrating respect and validation of the other party's perspective.
How does culture influence the act of acknowledgment?
Cultural norms significantly influence how, when, and what we acknowledge, with variations in the level of directness and the value placed on acknowledgment.
Is acknowledging errors considered a sign of weakness?
Acknowledging errors is generally seen as a sign of integrity and responsibility, often strengthening credibility rather than indicating weakness.
What is the role of acknowledgment in conflict resolution?
Acknowledgment plays a key role in conflict resolution by validating the feelings and perspectives of all parties involved, facilitating a pathway to understanding and compromise.
How does one effectively acknowledge a contribution?
Effectively acknowledging a contribution involves clearly stating the specific actions or qualities appreciated, along with the impact these have had, in a timely and sincere manner.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
