I came to realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I came to realize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain that you've come to understand something as a result of experience. For example: "I came to realize that spending time in nature was the best way to clear my head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I came to realize that I'm not the problem.

The New York Times - Arts

I came to realize that I was an idiot.

The New York Times - Arts

I came to realize that perception is clearly wrong.

The New Yorker

That is the other thing I came to realize.

The New York Times

I came to realize Tom wasn't driving us crazy with these details for no reason".

The New York Times - Sports

"I came to realize it wasn't a punishment, it was a gift," she said.

The New York Times

"I came to realize that my previous decision was the easy one, not the right one.

The New York Times

But I came to realize that I was letting myself be scared into silence.

The New York Times

But what I came to realize is that it was never that way.

Princeton University

I came to realize that I like a balance of the two approaches.

Cornell University

I came to realize after my [NASA] flights that space is a tough place to be.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place "I came to realize" at the beginning of a sentence or clause to clearly signal a shift in thought or awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "I came to realize" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I began to understand", "I realized", or "It dawned on me" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I came to realize" is to introduce a statement of understanding or awareness that developed over time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I came to realize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a gradual shift in understanding or awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news articles and academic papers to more informal settings. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "I began to understand" or "I became aware" for variety. Common contexts include news, academia, and general writing, with authoritative sources like The New York Times employing the phrase regularly. By understanding its nuances and proper usage, writers can effectively convey personal evolution in thought and perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I became aware

Emphasizes the gaining of awareness or consciousness of something.

It dawned on me

Suggests a sudden realization or understanding.

I began to understand

Focuses on the commencement of understanding, implying a gradual process.

I recognized at last

Implies a final recognition after a period of unawareness or confusion.

I learned

A more simple and direct way of expressing the acquisition of knowledge or understanding.

I started to grasp

Emphasizes the act of seizing or comprehending something, often after effort.

I grew to appreciate

Highlights the development of appreciation, often over time or through experience.

I discerned in time

Focuses on discerning or perceiving something accurately within a specific timeframe.

I understood eventually

Indicates understanding as a final outcome after some delay or initial lack of comprehension.

I perceived after a while

Highlights perception gained over a duration, suggesting a delayed understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "I came to realize" in a sentence?

Use "I came to realize" to introduce a change in your understanding or perspective, often based on new information or experience. For example, "I came to realize that hard work is essential for success".

What phrases are similar to "I came to realize"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "I began to understand", "I started to grasp", or "I became aware", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "I came to realize"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "I came to realize" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "it dawned on me" or "I understood eventually".

What's the difference between "I realized" and "I came to realize"?

"I realized" suggests a more immediate understanding, while "I came to realize" implies a gradual process of understanding. "I realized" might be used for a sudden insight, whereas "I came to realize" is suitable for a conclusion reached after some time or experience.