I then recognized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I then recognized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a moment of realization or understanding that follows a previous action or thought. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I then recognized the pattern that had eluded me before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I then recognized that no one in the sport was consulting the sponsors, everyone kind of works for a team, so I thought, "What if I go out to more companies and I find out what they want out of life, and then I go around and talk to various teams and identify the best opportunities?" And that is how the business got started.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I then recognize the skin: Onse and Axel.

Vice

Such killing requires recognition of a foreign marker, typically a viral protein fragment presented on the cell surface by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I proteins, which is then recognized by the cognate T cell receptor expressed on the surface of the CD8 T cell.

Biology Direct

I met my wife Kendall years ago because I had just read her wonderful book, The Day I Became an Autodidact and then recognized her from her photo on the dust jacket at a wedding a few weeks later.

Huffington Post

She stopped, shaded her eyes, and then recognized him.

The New Yorker

By then recognized in Mexico as a leading mural painter, he sought new patrons for commissions.

The New York Times - Arts

She ordered pink lemonade, then recognized a friend at a nearby table.

The New Yorker

He then recognized the incongruity of cheering for the rival Packers.

The New York Times - Sports

The United States and Britain then recognized the Warsaw regime, assuring Soviet domination of Poland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As far as Lockhart is concerned, this is the Chisholm Trail, whether the folks back then recognized it or not".

The New York Times

They reached New Holland and found a spring, then recognized a set of islands from Bligh's account.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I then recognized" to clearly indicate a realization that occurs after a specific event or period of time. This helps to establish a chronological sequence of events in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "then" excessively in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure or use alternative transitional words to improve flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I then recognized" functions as a main clause element within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, describing a moment of realization or understanding following a previous action or thought.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I then recognized" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a moment of realization that follows a prior action or observation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's found most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts and maintains a neutral register, suitable for various writing styles. While effective, varying your sentence structure with alternatives like "I subsequently realized" or "It then dawned on me" can improve the flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I subsequently realized

Replaces "recognized" with "realized", emphasizing understanding dawned later.

I understood afterward

Uses "understood" to focus on comprehension occurring after an event.

I later identified

Emphasizes identification at a later time.

It then dawned on me

Indicates a sudden realization.

I came to realize

Focuses on a gradual understanding or awareness.

I perceived then

More formal; emphasizes awareness through the senses or intellect.

I discerned at that point

Suggests a careful or insightful recognition.

It became clear to me then

Emphasizes the clarity of the realization.

The truth then struck me

Implies a sudden and impactful realization of a truth.

I acknowledged at that moment

Indicates a formal recognition or acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "I then recognized" in a sentence?

Use "I then recognized" to describe a moment of realization or identification that occurs after a preceding action or observation. For example, "After reviewing the data, "I then recognized" a clear pattern."

What can I say instead of "I then recognized"?

Alternatives include "I subsequently realized", "I later identified", or "It then dawned on me". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "I then recognized" formal or informal?

"I then recognized" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives like "I subsequently realized" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "I then recognized" and "I recognized then"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "I then recognized" emphasizes the sequence of events, suggesting that the recognition occurred as a direct result of something preceding it. "I recognized then" simply indicates that the recognition happened at that time, without necessarily implying a causal relationship.