we now realize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we now realize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging a new understanding or awareness about a situation or fact. Example: "After reviewing the data, we now realize that our initial assumptions were incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We now realize there was a high cost".

The New York Times

The title, we now realize, refers to a miracle.

The New Yorker

Proust, we now realize, was, along with everything else, a neighbor, too.

The New Yorker

We now realize how important it is to create this atmosphere".

The New York Times - Health

… We now realize we face the same dangers as other countries do".

The New Yorker

We now realize we were wrong, and that it's time to be candid about the issues".

The New Yorker

But we now realize that we must win the last two games.

The New York Times - Sports

"We now realize we're all partners here and will work toward getting New Jersey its due".

The New York Times

The muting of syphilis notwithstanding, we now realize that is not the case.

The New York Times - Health

"We now realize it's time to maybe change the leaders," she said.

The New York Times

Did the members of Congress push back hard, as we now realize they should have?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we now realize" to introduce a point that represents a shift in understanding or a newly acquired awareness, ensuring it logically follows from previous statements or evidence.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "we now realize". Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we now realize" functions as a sentence opener or introductory clause, signaling a shift in understanding or awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a standard construction used to introduce a newly recognized fact or perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we now realize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a newly acquired understanding or awareness. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it is a versatile phrase, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "we understand now" or "we have come to see" for stylistic variation. Remember to use it to signal a logical shift in understanding based on evidence or reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we understand now

This alternative is a more direct and straightforward synonym, replacing "realize" with "understand".

we recognize now

Replacing realize with recognize, implies acknowledgement.

we've come to understand

This alternative emphasizes the process of gaining understanding over time.

we are now aware

This alternative highlights the newfound awareness.

it is now clear to us

This alternative highlights the clarity of the understanding.

we have come to see

This alternative focuses on a shift in perspective.

it has become apparent

This alternative emphasizes that a fact has become obvious.

in retrospect, we see

This alternative emphasizes looking back and understanding something in hindsight.

we appreciate now

This alternative expresses an understanding combined with gratitude or acknowledgement of importance.

hindsight being 20/20, we see

This idiomatic alternative is more informal and emphasizes the benefit of hindsight.

FAQs

How can I use "we now realize" in a sentence?

Use "we now realize" to introduce a new understanding or awareness, for example: "After analyzing the data, "we now realize" that our initial assumptions were incorrect."

What are some alternatives to "we now realize"?

You can use alternatives such as "we understand now", "we have come to see", or "it is now clear to us depending on the context".

Is "we now realize" formal or informal?

"We now realize" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in various contexts, including academic, professional, and journalistic writing.

What's the difference between "we now realize" and "we realized"?

"We realized" implies a past understanding, while ""we now realize"" indicates a present understanding that has been newly acquired or recognized.