to realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "to realize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to come to understand or to achieve or to make happen. Example: I finally realized my dream of becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's disturbing to realize this.

The New Yorker

Slowly starting to realize that".

The New York Times - Sports

Porcelain, one begins to realize, is everywhere.

The New Yorker

Too young to realize.

The New Yorker

When are we going to realize this?

The New Yorker

Oh, right, they began to realize.

The New York Times

And she helped me to realize it".

The New York Times

Sanchez seems to realize he was lucky.

The New York Times - Sports

People are beginning to realize that".

The New York Times

He did not seem to realize that.

The New York Times

It took her months to realize it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to realize", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean to understand something or to bring something into existence.

Common error

In American English, always use "realize" (with a 'z'). "Realise" (with an 's') is the British English spelling.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to realize" is as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically functions as a verb complement, expressing an action of understanding, achieving, or making something real. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "to realize" introduces clauses indicating awareness or attainment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to realize" is a versatile infinitive verb phrase frequently used to express understanding or achievement. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing across diverse sources such as news, academia, and science. While perfectly acceptable, remember the subtle difference between "to realize" (American English) and "to realise" (British English) and avoid confusing its two primary meanings: understanding and achieving. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, making it a valuable asset in your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to understand

Focuses specifically on the comprehension aspect of realizing something.

to achieve

Emphasizes the accomplishment or attainment aspect of realization.

to accomplish

Similar to achieve, highlighting the successful completion of a task or goal.

to become aware of

Specifies the process of gaining awareness or knowledge.

to make happen

Highlights the act of causing something to occur or become real.

to bring about

Emphasizes the causation of an event or result.

to attain

Focuses on reaching a particular goal or state.

to grasp

Stresses the intellectual understanding of a concept.

to fulfill

Concentrates on satisfying a requirement or achieving a purpose.

to actualize

Emphasizes making something potential into something real.

FAQs

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

You can use "to realize" to express understanding, as in "I began "to understand" the situation", or to express achievement, as in "They worked hard "to achieve" their goals".

What's the difference between "to realize" and "to understand"?

"To realize" often implies a sudden awareness or comprehension, while "to understand" suggests a more gradual process of learning and grasping information. You might "to understand" a complex theory, but "to realize" the implications of that theory suddenly.

Is it correct to use "to realize" in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "to realize" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider synonyms like "to ascertain" or "to comprehend" for a more elevated tone.

What can I say instead of "to realize" when referring to achieving a goal?

When "to realize" means to achieve, you can use alternatives like "to accomplish", ""to achieve"", or "to attain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.