to not realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to not realize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of awareness or understanding about something. Example: "She seemed to not realize the impact of her words on others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

No, but when you're 'disconnected,' it's easy to not realize the actual human in front of you," wrote M in New York.

The New York Times

Sometimes I look around and wonder how the powers that be could be so dumb as to not realize how much power we had.

The New York Times

Because while I was riding high, To not realize that certain things pass you by, But out of all the things I've ever had, I've never had peace of mind.

The New York Times

People snarking about nepotism in reaction to this article seem to not realize that children raised on storytelling games, given challenging books to read and encouraged to make up bedtime tales for their parents would undoubtedly be primed for creative lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But also, I went from not really thinking through very much to having everything just blow up in such a monumental way, that you'd have to be really blind to not realize there must be some things that I need to resolve here and understand a little better.

The New York Times - Magazine

You'd have to be walking around with a shopping bag over your head to not realize that fashion is everywhere.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

An important contributor to not realizing the differences between a new and a familiar concept is selective attention.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

You can unconsciously drive the interaction to conflict and not realize your role in the process.

Huffington Post

In other words, it's easy to be bitten and not realize it.

The New York Times

Sidewalks filled with eyewitnesses to what they did not realize was a crime.

The New York Times

This adds administrative costs and is a disservice to patients who may not realize what their cost-sharing will be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to not realize" when you want to emphasize a failure to understand or become aware of something, particularly when the realization would have led to a different outcome or understanding.

Common error

While "to not realize" is correct, overuse of negative constructions can make your writing sound convoluted. Consider whether a positive phrasing, such as "to overlook" or "to be unaware", might be clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to not realize" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically introduces a clause that expresses a lack of awareness or understanding regarding a particular fact, situation, or implication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to not realize" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating a lack of awareness or comprehension. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its ability to convey a missed opportunity for understanding. While alternatives like "to be unaware" or "to fail to notice" exist, "to not realize" distinctly emphasizes the process of failing to recognize something significant. Although relatively uncommon, its use is appropriate across various contexts, with a slightly higher prevalence in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be unaware

Focuses on the state of lacking awareness.

to fail to notice

Emphasizes the act of not perceiving something.

to be unconscious of

Emphasizes a lack of conscious awareness.

to be oblivious

Highlights a lack of awareness, often implying unawareness of surroundings or implications.

to be insensitive to

Highlights a lack of awareness or consideration of others' feelings or situations.

to remain ignorant

Stresses the state of lacking knowledge or information.

to be in the dark

Conveys a state of being uninformed or unaware.

to miss the point

Focuses on failing to understand the central idea or significance.

to not appreciate

Focuses on failing to understand the value or importance of something.

to overlook

Emphasizes the act of missing or disregarding something important.

FAQs

How can I use "to not realize" in a sentence?

You can use "to not realize" to describe a situation where someone fails to understand or become aware of something. For example, "She seemed "to not realize" the impact of her words on others."

What are some alternatives to "to not realize"?

Alternatives include "to be unaware", "to fail to notice", or "to overlook". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not to realize" instead of "to not realize"?

While both constructions are grammatically possible, "to not realize" is often preferred for infinitives because it maintains the integrity of the infinitive verb form. "Not to realize" might be used in different grammatical contexts, such as with a gerund.

What is the difference between "to not realize" and "to fail to understand"?

"To not realize" emphasizes a lack of awareness or perception, while "to fail to understand" focuses on a lack of comprehension or cognitive processing. They are similar, but "to not realize" often implies a missed opportunity for understanding.