I realized about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I realized about" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct usage would typically involve "I realized" followed by a direct object or a clause, without "about." Example: "I realized my mistake after reviewing the report."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I realized about a year ago that, at some point, I got out of the business of telling stories.

The New York Times

And then I realized about eight months later that I'd picked the wrong team".

The New York Times

"I realized about halfway through that season that I needed to change.

The New York Times

"When we were writing the pilot, I realized about 75percentt of the staff was women," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

What I realized about blogging is you're not going to read a blog about gadgets unless you're really interested in gadgets.

The New Yorker

I realized about 10 minutes into it that the only way to survive was a complete suspension of my ironic hipster self.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

I realize about now that most of the projects I started when the snow melted last spring either need finishing before the snow falls or can never really be completed, like cleaning the barn.

The New York Times

One of the first things I realize about Blanchett is that she is a very unsuperficial person.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I realized after about two minutes that it wasn't exactly dislike he felt for me.

The New Yorker

That touch screen also controls the seat heaters, a fact I realized after about 20 minutes behind the wheel of a Charger R/T.

The New York Times

I realized that about running Intel when, a few years back, I wrote a history of the microprocessor.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "about" directly after "I realized". Instead, follow "I realized" with a direct object or a 'that' clause to introduce the realized information. For example, use "I realized my mistake" or "I realized that I was wrong."

Common error

Many writers incorrectly add prepositions like "about" after "realized". Always check if the sentence is grammatically sound without the extra preposition. "I realized the problem" is usually clearer and more concise than "I realized about the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I realized about" functions as an introductory clause expressing a recognition or understanding. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the usage of "about" after "I realized" is generally incorrect in standard English. While examples exist, they do not represent grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I realized about" appears in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI flags this construction as non-standard. The correct usage involves following "I realized" with a direct object or a 'that' clause. Alternatives such as "I understood that" or "I became aware that" offer grammatically sound substitutes. Therefore, writers should avoid using "I realized about" in formal or academic writing and opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I understood that

Directly states comprehension of a fact or situation.

I became aware that

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge or perception.

I recognized that

Focuses on identifying or acknowledging something already present.

I discovered that

Emphasizes finding something new or previously unknown.

I came to the realization that

More formal and emphasizes the process of understanding.

I figured out that

Indicates a solution or understanding reached through thought.

It dawned on me that

Implies a sudden or gradual understanding of something.

I perceived that

Suggests a more intuitive or insightful understanding.

I noticed that

Focuses on observing or paying attention to something.

I apprehended that

Implies a more formal or intellectual understanding.

FAQs

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

No, the phrase "I realized about" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct usage is typically "I realized" followed by a direct object or a clause, without "about". For example, "I realized my mistake" is correct.

What can I say instead of "I realized about"?

You can use phrases like "I understood that", "I became aware that", or "I recognized that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I realized that" or "I realized about that"?

"I realized that" is the correct and more common phrasing. "I realized about that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

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

"I realized" indicates a direct understanding or awareness, while "I realized about" is typically not used in standard English. The use of "about" is usually unnecessary and can make the sentence grammatically incorrect. Use "I realized" followed by what you understood.