as they realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they realize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moment of understanding or awareness that occurs during a particular situation or context. Example: "The students began to engage more actively in the discussion as they realize the importance of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The urgency is heightened as they realize millennials are destined to be indentured servants to the healthcare system if things aren't shaken up.

Forbes

So long as they realize we're together".

The New Yorker

The counter-arguments they will confront are, as they realize, formidable.

The New Yorker

"Seniors, as soon as they realize this doesn't affect them, they are not so opposed," he has said.

The New York Times

Watch the attractive person's eyes light up as they realize that that means the second entry can also be ELSE.

The New York Times

I think people get a bit more relaxed about this thing as they realize that being single is normal".

The New York Times - Style

It stops as soon as they realize you might be able to beat their ass just as good".

The Guardian - Opinion

But so long as they realize their responsibilities to prevent any actions that might lead to a world war, we should all be happy.

The New York Times

The tourists' faces fall as they realize they are on the express A train, which does not stop between Fifty-ninth Street and 125th Street.

The New Yorker

That interconnectedness has also made them confident about staying, as they realize they can work in Brussels and still speak to an international audience.

The New York Times

Sometimes, toward the end, there is a quickening, as they realize where the victim is just as time is running out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they realize" to clearly indicate a shift in understanding or awareness that influences subsequent actions or decisions. It's especially effective when highlighting a change in perspective or a moment of epiphany.

Common error

Avoid using "as they realize" in situations where the realization is immediate and obvious. Simpler conjunctions like "when" or "because" might be more appropriate for straightforward cause-and-effect relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they realize" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that explains the timing or circumstances under which something else occurs. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a moment of understanding or awareness that leads to a subsequent action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they realize" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to connect a moment of understanding with a resulting action or change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, formal writing, and scientific contexts. While it's suitable for various writing styles, it's important to avoid overuse in simple situations where a more direct conjunction like "when" or "because" would suffice. When writing, consider that alternatives like "when they understand" or "as they become aware" offer subtle differences in emphasis and can enhance your writing's precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when they understand

Focuses on the moment understanding is achieved.

as they become aware

Emphasizes the process of gaining awareness.

upon recognizing

Highlights the act of recognition as the key moment.

once they perceive

Focuses on the shift in perception.

in light of their understanding

Highlights the understanding as a guiding factor.

given their newfound knowledge

Emphasizes new information as the basis for realization.

with the understanding that

Highlights that something is already comprehended.

now that they comprehend

Focuses on the present state of comprehension.

seeing as they discern

Highlights the act of discerning as the reason.

acknowledging that they grasp

Highlights the acceptance of having understood something

FAQs

How can I use "as they realize" in a sentence?

Use "as they realize" to connect a moment of understanding with a subsequent action or change in behavior. For example, "The students began to study harder "as they realize" the importance of the exam."

What are some alternatives to "as they realize"?

You can use alternatives such as "when they understand", "as they become aware", or "upon recognizing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as they realize" formal or informal?

"As they realize" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. However, always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "as they realize" and "because they realize"?

"As they realize" emphasizes the timing of the realization and its immediate impact, while "because they realize" focuses more on the realization as the direct cause of a subsequent event. "The team adapted their strategy "as they realize" their initial approach was failing" highlights the shift in understanding, whereas "The team adapted their strategy because they realize their initial approach was failing" emphasizes the reason for the change.