made to realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made to realize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that someone has been caused to understand or become aware of something. Example: "After the discussion, I was made to realize the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

These measures exacerbated American discontent, though Parliament was not made to realize how much until 1774.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was made to realize that I knew very little about my country.

The New York Times - Arts

This made some people very unhappy until Mr. Abend was made to realize his faux pas.

The New York Times

Finally he was made to realize that the trial period was over.

The New Yorker

Imogene is made to realize "that in every genealogy someone will always be last: last leaf on the family tree, last stone in the family plot".

The New York Times - Books

He himself was one long surprise, as we have been made to realize by his death and the feeling of diminished safety it has brought us.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

By stressing that Afghanistan is a lot less organized and safe than the Netherlands, he highlighted his determination and the offers he is willing to make to realize his career ambitions.

Comparative Migration Studies

However, significant progress needs to be made to fully realize this enormous potential.

Stem Cell Bioprocessing For Cellular Therapy, Diagnostics and Drug Development

In addition, we want to determine what improvements the DSS could make to the realized OR schedule.

Health Care Management Science

At the research site(s), the preconditions have to be realized to make research possible.

Health Research Policy and Systems

The amino termination makes possible to realize hybrid nanostructures made out of SWCNTs and alkoxy-silane (3′- aminopropyl tri-ethoxysilane (APTES)) molecules.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made to realize", consider the tone you want to convey. It often implies an external force or circumstance caused the realization, which can be positive or negative depending on the context. Choose alternatives if you wish to reduce any negative connotations.

Common error

A common mistake is using "made to realize" in an active voice construction, which is grammatically incorrect. For instance, avoid sentences like "He made me to realize..." Instead, use the passive form: "I was made to realize...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made to realize" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something caused a person to understand or become aware of a particular fact or situation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing shifts in understanding due to external influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made to realize" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to express that someone was caused to understand or become aware of something, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it carries a neutral tone and implies an external influence on the realization. When writing, ensure you use the passive construction correctly (e.g., "I was made to realize...") and consider the subtle implications of external influence when choosing this phrase over alternatives like "caused to understand" or "led to understand".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused to understand

Emphasizes the act of causing someone to gain understanding, removing the implication of force or external influence.

led to understand

Suggests a gradual process of understanding, rather than a sudden realization.

brought to the understanding

Implies a more formal and deliberate process of guiding someone to comprehension.

compelled to recognize

Highlights the element of compulsion in acknowledging something, similar to "made to realize".

forced to acknowledge

Stresses the lack of choice in admitting something, often against one's will.

made aware of

Focuses on the act of informing someone, rather than the process of them understanding.

had it driven home

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a forceful and impactful realization.

had it brought home

Suggests the person fully comprehends what was already known.

shown the truth

Highlights the revelation of the truth, implying a previous state of ignorance or misunderstanding.

given the insight

Focuses on providing a deeper understanding or perspective on something.

FAQs

How can I use "made to realize" in a sentence?

The phrase "made to realize" is typically used in the passive voice. For example, "She was "made to realize" the consequences of her actions" or "They were "made to realize" the importance of teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "made to realize"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "caused to understand", "led to understand", or "brought to the understanding" instead of "made to realize".

Is it grammatically correct to say "he made me to realize"?

No, the correct grammatical construction is "I was "made to realize"". The passive voice is essential when using this phrase. Saying "he made me to realize" is an incorrect usage.

What's the difference between "made to realize" and "realized"?

"Realized" simply means understood or became aware of something. "Made to realize" implies that an external factor or person caused the understanding or awareness. For example, "I realized I was wrong" versus "I was "made to realize" I was wrong by his explanation".