perceive that something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perceive that something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing an awareness or understanding of a particular situation or fact. Example: "I perceive that something is troubling her." Alternative expressions include "recognize that something" and "notice that something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As before, one can distinguish the question whether you perceive that something is absent, from the question whether absences can be represented in experience.

SEP

If it took a while for the reinsurers to perceive that something had gone wrong that risk exposures were gravely underestimated that was because of the immense complexity of this operation.

Forbes

If enough people perceive that something is wrong, it's wrong.

Los Angeles Times

Former Commissioner Mel Nutter, a Long Beach attorney who organized the group along with Nava, said the letter's signers are concerned about the direction of the commission and perceive that something is going on far more significant than who was going to be executive director.

Los Angeles Times

Further, if participants' answers to the open-ended questions (Table 2) are to be trusted, they perceive that something like an invisible extension of the finger is causing a touch on the rubber hand in the elevated touch condition, suggesting that this illusion has a very strong element of causal inference rather than merely touch mapped to near-personal space.

Plosone

At the same time the family is struggling to let go of their offspring at a time when they perceive that something is wrong.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even Beethoven in his deafness would have perceived that something extraordinary was happening.

The New Yorker

Greenspan perceived that something fundamental had changed, allowing faster rates of noninflationary growth and lower unemployment than previously thought possible.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps she is really speaking to Brünnhilde — the child of Wotan and the earth goddess Erda — who has just galloped into view, her Valkyrie cry faltering when she perceives that something strange has happened between Wotan and Fricka.

The New Yorker

Whatever the ultimate merits or difficulties of this view, Fodor rightly perceived that something like CRTT, also called the "computer model of the mind," is presupposed in an extremely wide range of research in contemporary cognitive psychology, linguistics, artificial intelligence, and philosophy of mind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, eighteenth-century philosophers such as Hume and Kant perceived that something important was lost when beauty was treated merely as a subjective state.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perceive that something" when you want to express a subjective understanding or interpretation of a situation, rather than a concrete fact.

Common error

Avoid using "perceive that something" excessively in formal writing where a more direct and assertive verb like "recognize" or "determine" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perceive that something" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It expresses a subjective understanding or awareness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates an interpretation based on sensory input or intuition, rather than an objective fact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perceive that something" is a phrase used to express a subjective understanding or awareness, often based on sensory input or intuition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests that it is best used to convey a reasoned interpretation rather than an objective fact. While not exceptionally common, it finds usage across various reputable sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, as Ludwig's example selection demonstrates. When writing, consider whether a more direct verb like "recognize" or "realize" might be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become aware that something

Highlights gaining awareness of something previously unknown.

recognize that something

Focuses more on acknowledging something that already exists or is known.

understand that something

Emphasizes comprehending the meaning or implications of something.

realize that something

Emphasizes a sudden understanding or awareness.

observe that something

Highlights a careful and attentive observation of something.

notice that something

Suggests a more passive observation of something.

sense that something

Implies an intuitive or emotional awareness.

detect that something

Highlights discovering something not immediately obvious.

gather that something

Suggests inferring information from available evidence.

ascertain that something

Focuses on discovering something with certainty after inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "perceive that something" in a sentence?

You can use "perceive that something" to express a personal understanding or awareness. For example, "I "perceive that something" is wrong with the engine based on the unusual noise."

What are some alternatives to "perceive that something"?

Alternatives include "recognize that something", "realize that something", or "notice that something", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "perceive that something" or "think that something"?

"Perceive that something" is generally more formal than "think that something". "Think" suggests a casual opinion, while "perceive" implies a more considered judgment.

What is the difference between "perceive that something" and "believe that something"?

"Perceive that something" implies using your senses or intuition to understand something, while "believe that something" suggests a conviction based on faith or evidence.