I started to realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to realize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you began understanding something, or that something dawned on you. For example: "As I read the book, I started to realize that I had misunderstood the main character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started to realize this wasn't uncommon.

The New York Times

"I started to realize the creative side of the Web," she said.

The New York Times

"However, I started to realize that maybe boycotting the hotel isn't the best solution either.

Independent

"Days went and weeks, and I started to realize that maybe the military police weren't coming.

The New York Times

And I started to realize that I sounded like an idiot between songs".

The New York Times - Arts

"I started to realize this is really just like organizing, but with a bigger audience.

The New York Times

"After that workshop, I started to realize how far he would actually take it.

The New York Times - Arts

"I started to realize that almost everything I was doing made the movie better," he recalled.

The New York Times

"I started to realize I had to fight for my kids and myself".

The New York Times

"Then I started to realize how important it is to take care of yourself.

The New York Times

"But I started to realize, 'Whoa, I'm going quite fast.' But I won't lie.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to realize" to express a moment of understanding that developed over time, rather than an instantaneous realization. This phrasing emphasizes the process of coming to an understanding.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse of "I started to realize" in formal academic writing where a more direct and concise statement of understanding may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "I understood" or "It became clear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to realize" functions as a clause starter followed by a subordinate clause expressing the content of the realization. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It introduces a shift in understanding or awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started to realize" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express a gradual development of understanding, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a clause starter, typically followed by what was being realized. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, as well as academic settings. When writing, consider whether the gradual process of realization is important to convey, or whether a more direct statement like "I realized" would be more appropriate. Remember that while common and generally acceptable, there might be opportunities to make it more concise by adopting alternatives such as "I began to understand", "it dawned on me" and "I became aware" depending on the context. It's generally regarded as neutral in tone, fitting well in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I became aware

Focuses on becoming conscious or informed about something.

I began to understand

Focuses more on the process of understanding rather than a sudden realization.

I recognized

Highlights the acknowledgement of something previously unknown or unacknowledged.

It dawned on me

Emphasizes a sudden and often surprising realization.

I began to see

Focuses on a shift in perspective or perception.

I perceived

Indicates an awareness or insight, often through observation.

I came to the understanding

Highlights the arrival at a conclusion or belief.

I discerned

Suggests a more careful and insightful understanding.

I grew to appreciate

Implies a gradual development of understanding and value.

I grasped the significance of

Emphasizes understanding the importance or meaning of something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I started to realize"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to understand", "it dawned on me", or "I became aware" depending on the context.

How do I use "I started to realize" in a sentence?

Use "I started to realize" to indicate a gradual process of understanding. For example: "After reading the report, I started to realize the complexity of the situation."

Is "I started to realize" formal or informal?

"I started to realize" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing.

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

"I started to realize" implies a process of coming to an understanding, while "I realized" suggests a more immediate or sudden understanding.