starting to realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting to realize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the process of becoming aware of something or coming to an understanding over time. Example: "After weeks of reflection, I am starting to realize the importance of my decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was just starting to realize I'm not really a 9-to-5 person," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Slowly starting to realize that".

The New York Times - Sports

"Everybody's starting to realize that".

The New York Times

I think they're starting to realize that".

The New York Times - Magazine

And we're starting to realize that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm just starting to realize how many opportunities there are.

The New York Times

I'm starting to realize my stuff can play up here.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just starting to realize what we did".

The New Yorker

I'm starting to realize that it's all about confidence".

The New York Times

"I'm just starting to realize she's Miss America".

The New Yorker

"Now everyone is starting to realize that was unsustainable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "starting to realize" with adverbs like 'slowly', 'gradually', or 'just' to add nuance to the pace of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "starting to realize" when the understanding is already complete or definitive. It's best used to describe the process of understanding, not the final state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to realize" functions as a present continuous gerund phrase, indicating an ongoing process of comprehension or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting to realize" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the ongoing process of gaining understanding. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is found frequently in news and media contexts, though also suitable for formal and business communications. To enhance clarity, consider the degree of understanding and context when selecting this phrase. Alternatives such as "beginning to understand" or "becoming aware" might be more fitting depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning to understand

Focuses on the initial stage of comprehension, similar to starting to realize but can imply a more gradual process.

becoming aware

A more formal and direct way of expressing the process of gaining knowledge or consciousness of something.

coming to the understanding

Emphasizes the arrival at a state of understanding, suggesting a more definitive conclusion.

gradually recognizing

Highlights the slow and incremental nature of noticing or acknowledging something.

growing to appreciate

Specifically implies a developing fondness or value for something, rather than a general awareness.

slowly dawning on

Suggests a delayed or gradual realization, often implying a sense of surprise or revelation.

waking up to

Conveys a sense of sudden enlightenment or realization, often implying a previous state of ignorance or unawareness.

perceiving the truth

Implies uncovering a hidden or previously unknown fact, often carrying a stronger connotation of discovery.

cottoning on to

An informal British expression for understanding something, often after a period of confusion.

getting a handle on

Indicates gaining control or understanding of a complex situation or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "starting to realize" in a sentence?

You can use "starting to realize" to express the beginning of an understanding or awareness. For example, "I'm "starting to realize" the importance of this decision."

What are some alternatives to "starting to realize"?

Alternatives include "beginning to understand", "becoming aware", or "gradually recognizing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "starting to realize" or "beginning to realize"?

"Starting to realize" and "beginning to realize" are often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "starting" might suggest an earlier stage of the process.

What's the difference between "starting to realize" and "realizing"?

"Starting to realize" indicates the process of understanding, while "realizing" suggests a completed understanding or awareness. "I'm "starting to realize"" suggests a gradual understanding, whereas "I realize" implies a full comprehension.