they realised that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they realised that' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a learning moment, when someone recognizes a new truth or understanding, or comes to a realization about something. Example: They realised that the only way to succeed was to work hard and never give up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before long they realised that, as far as Facebook was concerned, their entire island was in Norway.

The Guardian - Tech

They realised that "Australians could play".

The Guardian - Sport

"They realised that without dollar accounts they were sitting ducks".

The Economist

Now they realised that this brutal insouciance could not continue.

The Guardian

Eventually they realised that his pancreas had burst.

The Guardian - Books

They realised that, by doing so, they could capture something unique and wonderful," he said.

Independent

They realised that actually you can make huge amounts of profit by lending.

The Guardian

To do so, they realised that they would need two types of nanoparticles.

The Economist

When they realised that IS threatened them directly, they began to demand protection.

The Economist

Cynics suspect ministers panicked when they realised that they might be charged under the laws.

The Economist

Then they realised that they needed some friends and started being nicer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they realised that" to introduce a statement that reflects a newfound understanding or acknowledgement of a situation. It's particularly effective when highlighting a shift in perspective or a change in strategy based on new information.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear and specific antecedent. Avoid using "they realised that" if it's unclear who "they" refers to, as this can create ambiguity and confuse the reader. Clarify the subject before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they realised that" functions as a clause introducer, marking the beginning of a subordinate clause that expresses a realization or understanding reached by a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they realised that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a change in understanding or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its ubiquitous presence across numerous sources, particularly in news and media. While adaptable to various contexts, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the subject "they". When aiming for more sophisticated writing, alternatives like "they ascertained that" can be considered. However, the straightforward nature of "they realised that" makes it a reliable choice for conveying new recognitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they recognized that

Highlights the act of acknowledging something previously unknown.

they understood that

A simpler and more direct way of conveying understanding.

they became aware that

Focuses on the moment of becoming conscious of something.

they discovered that

Suggests finding out something new or previously hidden.

they came to the understanding that

Replaces "realised" with a more formal phrase, emphasizing a gradual understanding.

they grasped that

Implies a firm understanding or comprehension.

they perceived that

Focuses on their interpretation or observation of something.

they figured out that

More informal, suggesting a process of working something out.

it dawned on them that

Emphasizes a sudden realization or epiphany.

they ascertained that

Implies a definite and certain discovery or establishment of a fact.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they realised that"?

You can use alternatives like "they understood that", "they recognized that", or "they became aware that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "they realised that" in formal writing?

Yes, "they realised that" is suitable for formal writing, especially when reporting findings or explaining decisions. However, consider alternatives like "they ascertained that" for a more sophisticated tone.

How do I ensure clarity when using "they realised that"?

To ensure clarity, always make sure the pronoun "they" refers to is explicitly stated earlier in your text. Avoid starting sentences with "they realised that" if the subject is ambiguous.

What's the difference between "they realised that" and "they thought that"?

"They realised that" implies a change in understanding based on new information or evidence, whereas "they thought that" simply states a prior belief or opinion without necessarily implying a change.