not realizing that

USAGE SUMMARY

"not realizing that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person not understanding or being fully aware of something. For example: John walked into the interview confidently, not realizing that he was underdressed for the occasion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She accepted, not realizing that, as a convicted felon, she would be permanently ineligible for DACA.

The New Yorker

Jim Dougherty, an analyst at Prudential Securities, faulted the company's management for not realizing that additional layoffs would be necessary.

The New York Times

Not realizing that is how you spend a lot of money and then go out of business.

TechCrunch

Not realizing that is clueless.

Huffington Post

I froze, not realizing that she'd been listening.

The New Yorker

"We're passing the tipping point now, and they are not realizing that".

The New York Times

And where I messed up was not realizing that the situation was very different now.

The New Yorker

He emerges from the tank not realizing that five hours have passed.

The New York Times

Evidently not realizing that he might be in jeopardy of criminal prosecution, Warren agreed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lange said: "I did not realize that's my wife.

The New York Times

This year!" "I didn't realize that".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not realizing that" to clearly indicate a lack of awareness at a specific point in time. This helps to highlight the contrast between the action taken and the subsequent consequences or revelations.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that obscure who was not realizing something. Ensure the subject of the phrase is clear to maintain clarity and impact. Example: Instead of "It was not realized that the consequences would be severe", write "They proceeded, not realizing that the consequences would be severe."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not realizing that" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that provides additional information about the reason or circumstances surrounding an action. It indicates a lack of awareness or understanding at the time of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not realizing that" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that functions as a subordinating conjunction, typically found in news and media contexts. It is used to provide context by highlighting a lack of awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to ensure the subject is clear and avoid overusing passive voice for effective communication. Alternatives like "unaware that" or "without knowing that" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without realizing

A shorter, more concise way of expressing the same idea.

unaware that

Focuses on a general lack of awareness.

without knowing that

Highlights the absence of knowledge at the time of the action.

not understanding that

Focuses on a lack of comprehension.

unbeknownst to them

Adds a sense of fate or hidden circumstances.

little did they know that

Emphasizes a surprising or unfortunate outcome.

not grasping that

Emphasizes a difficulty in understanding.

failing to recognize that

Stresses the act of not recognizing something important.

oblivious to the fact that

Highlights a complete lack of awareness, often of something obvious.

never suspecting that

Implies a lack of suspicion or anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "not realizing that" in a sentence?

Use "not realizing that" to show that someone did something without being aware of all the facts or potential consequences. For example, "She accepted the job offer, "not realizing that" it would require frequent travel".

What's a more formal alternative to "not realizing that"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "unaware that" or "without being cognizant that". For instance, "The company proceeded with the merger, "unaware that" significant regulatory hurdles remained".

Is "not realizing that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not realizing that" is grammatically correct. It functions as a participial phrase indicating a lack of awareness concurrent with an action.

What is the difference between "not realizing that" and "without realizing that"?

While both phrases convey a lack of awareness, "without realizing that" emphasizes the absence of realization, while "not realizing that" simply states the lack of awareness. They are often interchangeable, but "without realizing that" can sometimes imply a more active lack of perception.