could not realise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not realise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an inability to understand or become aware of something. Example: "Despite the evidence presented, she could not realise the impact of her actions on others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She could not realise that they belonged to her and were a part of herself.

Independent

She remembers working on projects with artists like Robert Motherwell, Eduardo Paolozzi and Louise Nevelson, although she was disappointed that she could not realise the latter's tapestry in the grey wool she preferred but was forced by the gallery to do it in lurex instead.

Independent

"Would you believe that politicians of both parties seem to like the idea of lots of parliamentary seats around the country on which to park their bums and were reluctant to see the disappearance of such comfortable positions?" While he could not realise the abolition of the states, he pushed for a new "cooperative" federalism, also championed by former New South Wales premier Nick Greiner.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Similarly, Deborah Warner couldn't realise a tantalising Waiting for Godot starring Fiona Shaw and Maggie Smith.

The Guardian

"I think you don't choose your parents and you don't choose your nationality, and those bonds are incredibly deep and formative in ways that certainly about my nation I couldn't realise until I left.

The Guardian - Books

He said: "As a player I couldn't realise my dream to play [in England]." "But I hope in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there".

BBC

The 41-year-old said: "As a player I couldn't realise my dream to play there [in England]." "But I hope in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there".

BBC

How could they not realise the significance of what happened in Florida?

The Guardian

About seven hours later they realised they could not make mainland, so they altered course for an island that could be seen in the distance.

Wikipedia

Here were rolling, lurching, uncontrollable people, endearing, pathetic or grotesque, depending on your point of view, who could not possibly realise what the woman with the camera was doing.

The Guardian - Books

Holmes Place did not realise ThyssenKrupp "couldn't be relied upon to do their job properly", he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not realise", ensure the context clearly indicates what was not understood or recognized to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could not realise" when a simpler verb like "see" or "understand" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not realise" functions as a negative verb phrase, expressing an inability or failure to understand, perceive, or become fully aware of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could not realise" serves as a negative verb phrase that conveys an inability to understand or become fully aware of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and offers a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing styles. Understanding its nuances and available alternatives, such as "failed to grasp" or "did not comprehend", can enhance precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to grasp

Emphasizes a lack of intellectual understanding.

did not comprehend

Highlights a lack of complete understanding.

was unable to perceive

Focuses on a lack of sensory or intuitive awareness.

did not recognize

Focuses on a failure to identify or acknowledge something.

did not appreciate

Suggests a lack of full understanding or recognition of value.

could not fathom

Implies a deep level of incomprehension.

missed the significance of

Highlights a failure to understand the importance of something.

remained unaware of

Emphasizes a continued state of not knowing.

was blind to

Suggests a complete lack of awareness, often metaphorical.

overlooked the fact that

Focuses on a failure to notice or consider a specific detail.

FAQs

How can I use "could not realise" in a sentence?

Use "could not realise" to express an inability to understand or become fully aware of something. For example, "She "could not realise" the danger she was in."

What's a simpler alternative to "could not realise"?

Alternatives include "didn't understand", "didn't recognize", or "failed to see". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "could not realise" and "did not understand"?

"Could not realise" often implies a gradual coming to awareness that never occurred, while "did not understand" simply states a lack of comprehension. Consider the subtle difference in "He "could not realise" the truth" versus "He "did not understand" the truth".

Is "could not realise" formal or informal?

"Could not realise" is relatively neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives like "failed to grasp" may be preferable in academic or professional writing.