appear to have realised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear to have realised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone seems to have come to a conclusion or understanding about something. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, they appear to have realised the importance of their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He doesn't have a job and he doesn't appear to have realised that yet".

The Guardian

The upside is that the people who hit the reptile appear to have realised it was unusual and taken it to the authorities.

The Guardian

The ball hit Rankin's dislodged cap on the way down but the umpires don't appear to have realised that five penalty runs should be added.

The Guardian - Sport

The best part of this revival is that both designers and the high street appear to have realised that it doesn't have to be a) Victorian-like and b) supremely OTT and girlie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a traveller's journal written in 1792 by Hilfeling, the bottom part of the stone is depicted for the first time, though the artist does not appear to have realised that the two parts belonged together.

Wikipedia

No longer do you have to comb through Harlem's drag balls or spend your nights parked in lay-bys off A-roads near Milton Keynes to uncover people engaging in same-sex relations, because this is 2014 and a good majority of us appear to have realised that being gay is no more abnormal than having shins.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In one message, a user named Charlie appeared to have realised this, and sent a "shout-out to my awesome husband and daughter".

Independent

But Francis appears to have realised that reform of IOR is a crucial test of his determination to shake up the Curia, substantially unreformed since the 1970s.

The Economist

The CIA appears to have realised it had made a mistake: it had been looking for another man of the same name.

The Guardian

At some stage in the Porters' European travels, Kingsley appears to have realised he was gay, and decided to find a lover.

The Guardian - Books

It was the contest in which none of the Conservatives appeared to have realised there were 330 votes up for grabs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear to have realised" to convey a sense of observation or inference, rather than stating a fact directly. This adds a layer of subtlety and allows room for potential uncertainty or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "appear to have realised" when you have concrete evidence. If you are certain, a more direct statement will be more impactful and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear to have realised" functions as a hedged assessment or tentative conclusion. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to express an observation or inference about someone's understanding, without stating it as a definitive fact. It serves to soften the statement, acknowledging potential uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appear to have realised" is a useful phrase for expressing an observation or inference about someone's understanding, while acknowledging potential uncertainty. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used in News & Media. When direct knowledge is lacking, this phrase helps to express an educated guess about a particular understanding. Consider alternatives like "seem to have understood", "appear to have noticed", or "seem to have become aware" to suit different contexts. However, avoid using "appear to have realised" when you have concrete evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem to have understood

Emphasizes understanding rather than just realization; slightly more direct.

appear to have understood

Synonymous, replacing 'realised' with 'understood' maintains the same meaning and nuance.

seem to have recognized

Focuses on recognition, implying an acknowledgement of something previously unknown.

appear to have noticed

Highlights the act of noticing, which is a more passive form of realization.

seem to have become aware

Stresses the gradual process of gaining awareness.

appear to have grasped

Indicates a firm understanding or comprehension of something.

seem to have figured out

Implies a process of problem-solving or discovery.

appear to have discerned

Suggests a keen perception or insight into something not immediately obvious.

seem to have caught on

Implies that someone has understood a situation or idea, often after a period of confusion.

appear to have registered

Highlights that something has been noticed or recorded in someone's mind.

FAQs

What does "appear to have realised" mean?

It means that based on available evidence or observation, someone seems to have understood or become aware of something.

How can I use "appear to have realised" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a conclusion based on observation, such as "After reviewing the data, the team "appear to have realised" the mistake in their calculations".

What are some alternatives to "appear to have realised"?

Alternatives include "seem to have understood", "appear to have noticed", or "seem to have become aware" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "appear to have realised" formal or informal?

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in writing and professional settings than in casual conversation.