I realized

USAGE SUMMARY

"I realized" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a sudden understanding or awareness of something. Example: "As I looked out at the breathtaking view, I realized that I had never truly appreciated the beauty of nature before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I realized".

The New York Times

"I realized it's innate.

The New Yorker

Surely I realized … etc.

The New Yorker

I realized she's different".

The New Yorker

I realized how na?

The New York Times

It might, I realized.

The New Yorker

"I realized, here's a maker.

The New York Times

That was true, I realized.

The New Yorker

She was exhausted, I realized.

The New Yorker

And that's when I realized.

The New York Times

I realized I'm not Superman".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I realized" with a 'that' clause to explicitly state what you came to understand. This enhances the sentence's clarity and ensures the realization is well-defined.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I realized". This can make your writing sound repetitive and self-centered. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I realized" functions as an introductory clause that signals a shift in understanding or awareness. It connects a previous state of unknowing to a new understanding, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I realized" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a moment of understanding or a change in perspective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Consider alternatives like "I understood" or "it dawned on me" for variety. When you use it, ensure a 'that' clause follows for clarity. As evidenced by the many examples, this phrase is a staple in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It dawned on me

Suggests a gradual or surprising realization, often about something previously overlooked.

I became aware

Emphasizes the gaining of knowledge or consciousness about something.

It struck me

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the realization.

I recognized

Focuses on identifying something already known or familiar, but perhaps not consciously considered.

I discovered

Implies finding something new or previously unknown, which leads to a realization.

I came to understand

Focuses on the process of reaching understanding over time, rather than a sudden realization.

I figured out

Emphasizes the process of solving a problem or understanding a complex situation.

I grasped

Implies a firm and complete understanding, often after some effort.

I understood

A more general term for comprehending something, without necessarily implying a sudden insight.

I discerned

Suggests a more careful or insightful perception, often involving subtle details.

FAQs

How can I use "I realized" in a sentence?

Use "I realized" to introduce a moment of understanding or sudden awareness. For example, "I realized that I had been wrong all along."

What are some alternatives to "I realized"?

You can use alternatives such as "I understood", "I became aware", or "it dawned on me" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I realized that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The "that" can sometimes be omitted, but including it often improves clarity, especially in more formal writing.

What's the difference between "I realized" and "I knew"?

"I realized" implies a sudden understanding or discovery, while "I knew" suggests prior knowledge or awareness. For example, "I realized the answer was simpler than I thought" versus "I knew the answer all along".