realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "realize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you come to understand something, or when you make something happen. Example sentence: Once I realized I had left my keys at home, I quickly turned my car around to go back and get them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you want to connect with people on Facebook and prominent social networks, you have to realize the world is moving toward transparency.

The Guardian

Blais added: "The important thing is to realize that this has nothing to do with ethnic, political considerations, at least at this point".

The Guardian

It makes sense that the people being discriminated against are quicker to realize they need to challenge that system then those who are not.

The Guardian

Washington DC is already so fractious and petty that if politicians realize they're all part of the big family, that couldn't make things any worse, right?

The Guardian - Opinion

A single gunshot wound to the chest meant Martin would never realize his college dreams.

The Guardian

"People need to feel that fear to realize just how much these conversations have been repressed by employers".

The Guardian

As it happens, even the Koch brothers have begun to realize that their attempts to stop the ACA are getting them nowhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, too, they need to realize that what is on offer are teaser rates that won't last past the lifespan of the six, 12 or 24 months of the initial contract, what is available then may not correspond to their needs.

The Guardian - Money

Most of them, though, seem to realize that just running against the Obama administration's record won't be enough to score the sound victory they want out of November's midterm elections.

The Guardian

Third, realize that we're in an era of increased transparency.

The Guardian

Erik and I have often discussed that, in this case climate change a lot of people, folks like Nick Minchin included don't seem to realize what is at stake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to converting something into money, specify what is being "realize"d. For example, "The company realized a profit of $1 million from the sale of its assets."

Common error

Be aware of the spelling difference between American English ("realize") and British English ("realise"). Choose the spelling appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "realize" is as a transitive verb. It commonly expresses the act of understanding something, becoming aware of a fact, or achieving a goal. Ludwig AI examples show it used in varied contexts, reflecting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "realize" is a versatile verb meaning to understand something, to make something happen, or to convert something into something else. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal business communication to informal conversation. While spelling variations exist (American English: "realize"; British English: "realise"), choosing the appropriate spelling based on audience is essential. The most common use of "realize" occurs in news and media, which underscores its general applicability in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to understand

Focuses on the process of gaining understanding, similar to "realize" in its cognitive sense.

become aware of

Emphasizes the moment of recognition or perception, akin to suddenly "realize"ing something.

bring to fruition

Highlights the act of making something real or successful, relating to the "accomplish" definition of "realize".

make happen

Simplifies the concept of achieving or accomplishing something, similar to one aspect of "realize".

convert into

Focuses on transformation, like converting assets into cash, which is a specific meaning of "realize".

cash in on

Specifically refers to converting something into monetary gain, a subset of "realize"'s financial meaning.

recognize the importance of

Highlights awareness of significance, resembling "realize" in understanding value.

attain

Focuses on achievement, akin to "realize" in bringing plans to completion.

fathom

Implies a deeper understanding or comprehension, a more intense form of "realize".

conceive of

Focuses on forming an idea or understanding, often preceding the action of "realize"ing it.

FAQs

How can I use "realize" in a sentence?

You can use "realize" to describe understanding something, as in, "I "come to understand" I needed to change my approach." Alternatively, you can use it to mean making something happen, such as, "The project helped me "bring to fruition" my dreams."

What's the difference between "realize" and "recognize"?

"Realize" often implies a sudden awareness or understanding, while "recognize" suggests identifying something previously known. For example, you might "realize" you forgot your keys, but you "recognize" a friend's face.

What can I say instead of "realize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "become aware of", "make happen", or "convert into". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "realize" formal or informal?

"Realize" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of situations, as shown by its frequent use in news and media as well as business contexts.