we realised that

USAGE SUMMARY

'we realised that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are narrating a story or outlining the results of a situation. For example, "We realised that the best way to solve the problem was to come up with a creative solution".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We realised that compatibility comes if you work at it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Imagine our glee when we realised that, yes, we can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's time we realised that housing is just one small part of a much larger problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We realised that it was what we were doing.

The Guardian - Tech

"That's when we realised that something had happened".

The Guardian

And we realised that this really is a bonkers quarrel.

The Guardian

And we realised that there is enormous freedom in that.

The Guardian

"We realised that these kids weren't orphans at all.

The Guardian

This is when we realised that borders still exist, culturally anyway.

Independent

Quite quickly we realised that the experience had to be lightweight and relevant.

The Guardian

"Minutes before our first appearance, we realised that we should have a name.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we realised that" to introduce a shift in understanding or a new perspective based on prior experience or information.

Common error

In academic or professional contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "we determined that" or "we concluded that" to convey a more authoritative tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we realised that" functions as a reporting clause introducing a statement of discovery or understanding. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to narrate a story or outline the results of a situation. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we realised that" is a versatile and common phrase used to introduce a statement of understanding or recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for narrating events or outlining conclusions. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. The phrase's frequency and widespread use in news, media, and scientific domains underscore its importance in conveying new insights or shifts in perspective. When writing, consider the tone and audience to determine if a more sophisticated alternative would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we discovered that

This suggests finding out something previously unknown.

we understood that

This focuses more on comprehension and grasping a concept.

we recognized that

This implies acknowledging something already existing or known.

we learned that

This alternative phrase focuses on the acquisition of new knowledge.

we came to the conclusion that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a logical deduction process.

we became aware that

This is a more formal and cautious way of expressing realization.

we figured out that

This implies a process of working something out or solving a puzzle.

we determined that

This is a more assertive and formal way of saying "we realised", implying an investigation or assessment.

it dawned on us that

This is more informal and suggests a sudden realization.

we ascertained that

This is the most formal alternative, suggesting a careful and thorough investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "we realised that" in a sentence?

Use "we realised that" to introduce a statement of understanding or recognition, often following a period of observation or experience. For example, "After analyzing the data, "we realised that" a different approach was needed."

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

You can use alternatives like "we understood that", "we discovered that", or "we came to the conclusion that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we realised that" suitable for formal writing?

"We realised that" is generally acceptable, but in highly formal writing, consider stronger alternatives such as "we ascertained that" or "we determined that" to convey a more authoritative tone.

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

"We realised that" implies a change in understanding based on new information or experience, whereas "we thought that" simply indicates a prior belief or assumption. The former suggests a degree of certainty that the latter lacks.