once he realizes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once he realizes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a change in understanding or awareness that occurs at a specific moment in time. Example: "Once he realizes the importance of teamwork, he will start contributing more effectively to the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Armand's journey takes the first of several detours once he realizes that Theo, too, is dead.

The Washington Post

And Mr. Lutin reserves the right not to seek appraisal for the trust, something he may do once he realizes the costs involved.

The New York Times

But Strether's task is doomed once he realizes (or imagines) how remarkably improved Chad has become in the clutches of an older woman, Madame de Vionnet.

The New York Times - Books

He can, for instance, take enough piano lessons to impress Ms. MacDowell's enchanting Rita, once he realizes how wrong he was to treat her badly.

The New York Times

He's seen as a threat to recruitment, and he does cause Christian to question himself momentarily before returning to his murderous senses once he realizes that Farik's been spying on him.

The New Yorker

Once he realizes his minister is hiding something important from him, he begins to dig until he uncovers some of the machinations and personal interplay that are leading inexorably to Operation Wildlife.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Once he realized that, he could break the cookie habit.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Dojack, 29, said he only failed to report the crime once he realized what had happened.

The New York Times

Once he realized the soreness was lingering, he began to consider skipping the All-Star Game.

The New York Times - Sports

Once he realized its potential, he devoted his life to refining and marketing it.

The Washington Post

Once he realized the oversight, Cuccinelli corrected it, said the consultant, Chris LaCivita.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once he realizes" to clearly indicate a shift in a character's understanding or awareness that leads to a change in their actions or decisions. For example, "Once he realizes the consequences of his actions, he may change his behavior."

Common error

Avoid using future tense verbs in the main clause when using "once he realizes". The action following "once he realizes" should be a logical consequence or a present/past action based on that realization. For example, instead of "Once he realizes his mistake, he will apologize", use "Once he realizes his mistake, he apologizes" or "Once he realizes his mistake, he apologized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once he realizes" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that specifies the condition for the main clause to occur. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard and acceptable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once he realizes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a condition leading to a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. It is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, although leaning towards informal contexts due to its directness. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent clause logically follows the realization and avoid future tense constructions in the main clause. Consider alternatives like "when he understands" or "as soon as he grasps" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when he understands

This alternative uses a more direct verb for understanding, making it slightly less nuanced.

once he becomes aware

This emphasizes the state of being informed or conscious of something.

as soon as he grasps

This phrase implies a quick understanding or comprehension of something.

as he comes to understand

This alternative highlights the ongoing process of gaining understanding.

after he comprehends

This alternative highlights the completion of understanding, emphasizing the result.

upon his realization

This uses a noun form, shifting the focus to the event of realization itself.

after he figures out

This implies a process of thinking and solving a problem to reach understanding.

the moment he perceives

This alternative implies a more sensory or intuitive understanding.

when it dawns on him

This phrase suggests a gradual or sudden realization of something.

on understanding that

This is a more formal way of expressing the moment understanding occurs.

FAQs

How can I use "once he realizes" in a sentence?

Use "once he realizes" to introduce a condition that, when met, leads to a specific outcome or change in understanding. For example, "Once he realizes the value of teamwork, he will contribute more effectively."

What are some alternatives to "once he realizes"?

You can use alternatives like "when he understands", "as soon as he grasps", or "after he comprehends" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "once he will realize"?

No, it's not grammatically correct. The correct form is "once he realizes". The "will" should be omitted in the "once" clause.

What's the difference between "once he realizes" and "if he realizes"?

"Once he realizes" implies a higher degree of certainty that the realization will occur, compared to "if he realizes", which is more conditional and uncertain.