I was realising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was realising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a moment in the past when you became aware of something or started to understand it. Example: "As I was reading the book, I was realising how much I had in common with the main character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I was realising too that the same could be said about his dogged retrieval of what should, by all aesthetic rights, have been my winners.

The Guardian - Books

I was realising that, years before, I had readmitted only the high end of my heritage and held my nose at the rest – that is, the people themselves; the broken, crazy people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rem himself is candid: "There were moments when I felt insecure, in terms of whose ambitions I was realising – the client's or my own?" The same could be said for this film.

The Guardian - Arts

I decided to talk to some sleep experts, because I was realising that I probably wasn't going to get the full story from BlanQuil's site.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And now I'm realising: fuck reconciling".

The Guardian - Music

Now that I'm approaching that age, I'm realising that 55 is very, very young.

The Guardian

Martha, I'm realising, may prove the toughest member of our expedition.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm realising how difficult it is to put on a musical.

The Guardian

I am realising that a 15 minute routine follow-up slot perhaps isn't long enough to address all the issues" (HCP4).

BMC Health Services Research

Do I think it's realised often enough?

Vice

I'm also realising I'm less and less interested".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was realising" to describe an ongoing process of understanding at a specific point in the past. It suggests a gradual or unfolding awareness, not a sudden epiphany.

Common error

Avoid using "I was realising" when you want to describe a sudden, immediate understanding. Instead, use "I realised" for a completed, instantaneous understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was realising" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense, expressing an ongoing process of understanding or becoming aware of something. Ludwig shows examples where it describes a gradual shift in perception or comprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was realising" is a grammatically correct and usable construction that indicates a gradual process of understanding in the past. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Though not as frequent as other similar expressions, understanding when and how to use "I was realising" can add nuance to your writing, emphasizing the unfolding nature of a realization. It's essential to distinguish it from "I realised", which describes a completed, instantaneous understanding. The overall expert rating is 4.5.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to realize

Focuses on the beginning of the realization process.

I came to understand

Emphasizes the arrival at a point of understanding.

I was starting to see

Highlights the initial stage of perceiving something.

I grew to appreciate

Indicates a gradual increase in understanding and valuing something.

It dawned on me that

Suggests a sudden realization.

I understood

This indicates a simpler past understanding.

I noticed

Focuses on becoming aware through observation.

I perceived

Implies a more formal or intellectual understanding.

I discerned

Highlights a careful or insightful recognition.

I detected

Suggests a subtle or hidden realization.

FAQs

How can I use "I was realising" in a sentence?

Use "I was realising" to describe a gradual understanding or awareness that occurred over a period of time in the past. For example: "As I listened to her story, I was realising the depth of her pain".

What's the difference between "I was realising" and "I realised"?

"I was realising" describes an ongoing process of understanding, while "I realised" describes a completed understanding at a specific point in time. The first implies gradual awareness, while the second suggests a sudden understanding.

What can I say instead of "I was realising"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to realize", "I came to understand", or "I was starting to see" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am realising"?

While grammatically correct, "I am realising" is less common than "I am realizing". Both are present continuous forms of the verb, but "realizing" is the more typical spelling in American English.