it was dawning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dawning" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually expresses the beginning of a new day or the emergence of a new realization. For example, you might write, "As dawn was breaking, I realized the magnitude of what I had done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It was dawning on him that Lois felt his real problem was crabbed age.

The New Yorker

It was dawning on us that this was a real, separate person - no laughing matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was dawning on him that the process privileged him," the N.S.C. staffer said.

The New Yorker

It was dawning on me that it would have been better to have made my own reservations.

The New York Times - Travel

It was dawning on her that the caravan was only the first leg of a long and difficult journey.

The Washington Post

And it was dawning on both that senior, career-enhancing positions that were also part-time hardly ever came up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But slowly, it is dawning that this claim is implausible too.

The Guardian - Tech

It is dawning on millions that the term middle class might be a misnomer.

The Guardian - Opinion

But increasingly it's dawning on everyone that she actually means it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Day five It is dawning on me that Cradock couldn't cook.

The Guardian

"It's dawning on businesses that they have to take prudent steps".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was dawning" to subtly convey a character's gradual realization or understanding, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it was dawning" to describe sudden, immediate realizations. The phrase emphasizes a gradual, evolving understanding rather than an instantaneous one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dawning" primarily functions as a narrative device to describe a gradual realization or shift in understanding. As Ludwig AI states, it expresses the beginning of a new day or the emergence of a new realization.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was dawning" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression commonly used to depict a gradual realization or the nascent stages of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it offers a subtle narrative tool for conveying evolving awareness. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a gradual process rather than a sudden epiphany, and remember there are many ways to express the same idea with subtly different shades of meaning. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this expression, solidifying its place in both formal and informal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was becoming apparent

Stresses the increasing visibility or obviousness of something.

it was becoming evident

Similar to "apparent", emphasizing the increasing clarity of something.

it started to become clear

Focuses on the process of something becoming understandable.

it was gradually unfolding

Focuses on the step-by-step revelation of a situation.

it began to register

Emphasizes the beginning of comprehension or awareness.

the truth began to emerge

Highlights the gradual revelation of a fact or situation.

the realization began to sink in

Highlights the gradual acceptance of a new understanding.

it was hitting home

Emphasizes the emotional impact of a realization.

it was starting to get through

Focuses on the idea of a message or concept finally being understood.

the penny dropped

An idiomatic expression indicating a sudden moment of realization.

FAQs

How can I use "it was dawning" in a sentence?

Use "it was dawning" to indicate a gradual realization or understanding. For example, "It was dawning on me that I had made a mistake".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was dawning"?

A more formal alternative would be "it became apparent" or "it gradually became evident".

Is "it was dawning on me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was dawning on me" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a realization.

What is the difference between "it was dawning" and "it was dawn"?

"It was dawn" refers to the beginning of daylight, while "it was dawning" signifies a gradual understanding or realization.