In some contexts, recognize is a technical word that you must use to describe certain capabilities. Outside of these situations, avoid using recognize when the subject is an inanimate object.
Preferred |
Discouraged |
The script can process the digits 0 through 9, but it cannot process an asterisk (*) or a pound sign (#). |
The script can recognize the digits 0 through 9, but it cannot recognize an asterisk (*) or a pound sign (#). |
