we didn't realize

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "we were unaware", "it escaped our attention", or "we hadn't anticipated" depending on the specific context.

"We didn't realize" implies a gradual understanding or a realization after an event, whereas "we didn't know" simply states a lack of prior knowledge. For example, "we didn't know" suggests a simple absence of information.

Both "we didn't realize" and "we hadn't realized" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "We hadn't realized" suggests that the lack of awareness occurred before a specific point in time.

It's appropriate to use "we didn't realize" when expressing a belated understanding, a change in perception, or a recognition of something previously unnoticed. It can highlight a learning experience or an unexpected outcome, such as "we underestimated the task's complexity".