we realized

USAGE SUMMARY

"we realized" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a past event or realization that occurred to a group of people. Example: "As we walked through the old neighborhood, we realized that everything had changed since we were kids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We realized it's very hard.

The New York Times

"We realized we were lucky.

The New York Times

"We realized it's intrinsic".

The New York Times

Then we realized it wasn't gunfire.

The New Yorker

And then we realized they were serious".

The New York Times

We realized the magnitude of the loss.

The New York Times

We realized the benefit was phenomenal.

The New York Times

Then we realized it didn't apply".

The New York Times

"We realized it from the start.

The New York Times - Arts

"Then we realized we dodged a bullet".

The New York Times

We realized we could answer that question.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we realized" to clearly indicate a shift in understanding or awareness that occurred within a group. This can add a sense of discovery or acknowledgment to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "realized" excessively in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "understood", "recognized", or "became aware" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we realized" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action of coming to an understanding or awareness. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in expressing shifts in comprehension or acknowledgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we realized" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for expressing a moment of understanding or discovery. As evidenced by Ludwig's extensive examples and the assessment of its AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various registers, but mostly in News & Media. For variety, consider synonyms like "we recognized" or "we discovered". While overuse should be avoided, this phrase effectively communicates a shift in awareness and can enrich your writing with a sense of acknowledgement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we recognized

Highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something previously unknown or unclear.

we became aware

Focuses on becoming conscious or informed about something.

we figured out

Implies solving a problem or understanding a complex situation through reasoning.

we perceived

Highlights the use of senses or intuition to gain understanding.

we discovered

Emphasizes finding out something new or previously unknown.

we came to understand

Emphasizes a gradual process of gaining understanding, rather than a sudden realization.

we grasped

Indicates a firm understanding or comprehension of something complex.

it dawned on us

Implies a sudden and often surprising realization.

we ascertained

Suggests a careful and deliberate effort to find something out for certain.

we apprehended

Suggests a formal or intellectual understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "we realized" in a sentence?

"We realized" is typically followed by a clause explaining what was understood or discovered. For example: "We realized we were lost", or "We realized the importance of teamwork".

What can I say instead of "we realized"?

You can use alternatives like "we recognized", "we discovered", or "we became aware", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "we realized"?

No, sometimes the context implies a realization, making it unnecessary to explicitly state it. For instance, instead of "We realized it was raining, so we took umbrellas", you could say "It was raining, so we took umbrellas", implying the realization.

What's the difference between "we realized" and "we thought"?

"We realized" implies a change in understanding or awareness based on new information or experience. "We thought", on the other hand, suggests a belief or opinion that may or may not be based on concrete evidence or subsequent realization.