realize gains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "realize gains" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in financial contexts to refer to the act of selling an asset to convert an increase in value into actual profit. Example: "After holding the stock for several years, I decided to realize gains by selling it at a higher price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Flatiron did realize gains from investments in VerticalOne, Gamesville.com and Yoyodyne.

The New York Times

An E.T.F. may realize gains only when the index it tracks changes composition.

The New York Times

The trading began on July 21 , 2008 and took place over the next few days, helping SAC avoid losses and realize gains of approximately $276 million, according to the government.

The New York Times

As long as a taxpayer decides when or if to realize gains for tax purposes, that is a very valuable loophole even if gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income.

The New York Times

He said the devaluation of American and British currencies has prompted owners from these countries to accept lower offers for their Italian vacation homes; sellers can realize gains by converting assets held in euros back into dollars or pounds sterling.

The New York Times

Executives would only realize gains to the extent they outperformed the chosen index.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Periodic surface metal p-contacts with insulated grooves realize gain-coupled mechanism.

Optics Communications

FPGA is used to realize gain fuzzy controller with the inference lookup table, and the system experiments are completed.

Procedia Engineering

The firm pointed to $3 billion in realized gains during the quarter, as well as nearly $4 billion in new capital.

The New York Times

Excluding realized gains and losses and the effect of refinancings, the figure was $1.01 a share, not 95 cents.

The New York Times

Unrealized capital gains are untaxed, realized gains are taxed at a maximum rate of just 15 percent, and gains held until death are never taxed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing investment strategies or financial outcomes, use "realize gains" to clearly indicate that profits have been secured through the sale or conversion of assets. For instance, "The company aimed to realize gains by selling its stake in the startup."

Common error

Avoid using "realize gains" when referring to unrealized or potential profits. "Realize gains" implies that the profit has already been secured, not just anticipated. Be clear about whether the gains are actual or hypothetical. For example, instead of saying "The stock is expected to realize gains", you would say "The stock is expected to increase in value."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "realize gains" functions as a verb phrase where "realize" is a transitive verb and "gains" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common. It describes the action of making profits tangible, usually by converting assets into cash.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "realize gains" is a common and correct term, primarily used in finance and business contexts to describe the act of converting potential profits into secured earnings. Ludwig AI analysis and examples show this phrase is considered grammatically sound and widely accepted. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "secure profits" or "lock in profits", it's essential to avoid confusing potential gains with actualized profits. When referring to anticipated profits, avoid using "realize gains". Instead, be sure to use it when gains have been definitively secured.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lock in profits

Focuses on ensuring profits are protected and cannot be lost.

cash in on gains

Highlights the act of converting gains into cash.

secure profits

Replaces "realize" with "secure", emphasizing the act of making profits safe or certain.

achieve profits

Focuses on the accomplishment of reaching a profitable state.

generate profits

Highlights the creation or production of profits.

obtain profits

Emphasizes the act of acquiring profits.

derive profits

Focuses on receiving or obtaining profits as a result of something.

capitalize on gains

Shifts focus to taking advantage of existing gains.

harvest profits

Uses a metaphor of gathering or collecting profits.

reap the rewards

Broadens the scope to include any kind of benefit or reward, not just monetary profits.

FAQs

How to use "realize gains" in a sentence?

The phrase "realize gains" is typically used in financial contexts to describe the act of converting an increase in value into actual profit. For example, "Investors sought to "realize gains" in the technology sector."

What can I say instead of "realize gains"?

You can use alternatives like "secure profits", "lock in profits", or "cash in on gains" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "realize gains" and "generate profits"?

"Realize gains" refers to converting an existing asset appreciation into actual profit, often through selling, while "generate profits" refers to creating new profit through business operations or investments.

Is it correct to say "realizing gains"?

Yes, "realizing gains" is grammatically correct and can be used as a gerund or present participle. For example, "The company is "realizing gains" from its investment in renewable energy."