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Prepositions with recognition

In recognition or of recognition?

In recognition of is a fixed expression meaning as acknowledgment of something. Of recognition usually appears after another noun.

Quick answer

The usual expression

Use in recognition of to explain why someone receives praise, an award, or thanks. Of recognition is not normally a complete expression by itself, but it appears in phrases like lack of recognition or importance of recognition.

She received the award in recognition of her research.
The report discussed the lack of recognition for rural workers.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in recognition of + achievement

Giving a reason for praise or reward

Use this fixed phrase in formal and professional English.

The scholarship was created in recognition of academic excellence.
2
of recognition

Showing relationship to recognition

Use of recognition after nouns such as lack, value, or importance.

Employees complained about the absence of recognition at work.
3
recognition for + work

Naming what is recognised

Use for to introduce the achievement or quality.

He gained recognition for his environmental work.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in recognition of
They donated the library in recognition of her service.
as acknowledgment of something
of recognition
The value of recognition is often overlooked.
shows a relationship to recognition
recognition for
She earned recognition for innovation.
states the reason for recognition

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in recognition without of

The fixed expression normally includes of and a following noun.

✕ The prize was given in recognition her efforts. ✓ The prize was given in recognition of her efforts.

Using of recognition as a complete phrase

Of recognition usually needs another noun before it.

✕ The award was of recognition. ✓ The award was given in recognition of achievement.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The medal was awarded ___ recognition of bravery.
2. The company discussed the importance ___ recognition.
3. She received recognition ___ her teaching.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in recognition formal?

Yes. It is common in ceremonies, awards, and official writing.

Can I use of recognition alone?

Usually no. It normally follows another noun, such as lack of recognition.

What comes after in recognition of?

A noun or noun phrase, such as service, achievement, or support.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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