Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
were realized that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "were realized that" is not correct in English.
It seems to be a mix-up of verb forms and does not convey a clear meaning. An example of a corrected phrase could be: "They realized that..."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The problem for the President, of course, was that industry executives could not deliver any Republican votes for reform -- or decided not to try when they were realized that lawmakers were not going to impose significant penalties on people who thumbed their noses at the mandate.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Slowly he's realized that isn't going to work.
News & Media
Then it was realized that is not the cause".
Science
"People are realizing that's what it is and treating it as such".
News & Media
But now I'm realizing that's not good enough.
News & Media
The difference now is that people are realizing that instead of simply using different techniques.
Science & Research
But, I'm realizing, that's not enough.
News & Media
It is realized that tailoring means much more.
Science
On further investigation, it was realized that dynamic positioning is a general rule in cells.
Science
Moreover it was realized that extrinsic skin aging manifests differently between different populations.
Science
However, it should be realized that every database research houses limitations.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "were realized that" in formal writing. Instead, use a grammatically correct alternative such as "it was realized that" or "they realized that."
Common error
Be careful when using passive voice constructions. The phrase "were realized that" often arises from a misunderstanding of subject-verb agreement in passive constructions. Ensure the subject agrees with the verb tense and form.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "were realized that" functions as part of a clause where the intention is to convey understanding or recognition. However, according to Ludwig AI, the structure is grammatically incorrect. The passive voice often requires "it was" instead of "were" in this context.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
37%
Wiki
14%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "were realized that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI indicates that a more appropriate phrasing would be "it was realized that" or "they realized that", depending on the intended subject. While instances of its usage can be found across various sources, including news and scientific publications, it's advisable to avoid this phrase in formal writing. Correct alternatives such as "it was understood that" or "they came to understand that" offer clearer and more grammatically sound ways to express the intended meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it was understood that
Replaces "realized" with "understood" to convey comprehension, maintaining a passive voice.
it became clear that
Emphasizes the clarity of understanding rather than the act of realization.
it dawned on them that
Indicates a sudden understanding or realization.
they came to understand that
Highlights the process of understanding over time.
they recognized that
Focuses on acknowledging or identifying something.
they became aware that
Emphasizes gaining knowledge or consciousness of something.
they discovered that
Suggests uncovering or finding out something previously unknown.
it was appreciated that
Implies recognition of value or importance.
they figured out that
Indicates a process of working something out through reasoning or problem-solving.
they ascertained that
Suggests finding something out for certain.
FAQs
What is the correct way to use "realize" in the passive voice?
In the passive voice, "realize" is often used with "it was realized that" or "it is realized that". For example, "it was realized that the project was over budget".
Is "were realized that" grammatically correct?
No, "were realized that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. A correct alternative would be "it was realized that" or "they realized that", depending on the intended meaning.
What can I say instead of "were realized that"?
You can use alternatives like "it was understood that", "they realized that", or "it became clear that depending on the context.
What's the difference between "it was realized that" and "they realized that"?
"It was realized that" implies a general or impersonal realization, while "they realized that" indicates a specific group or individuals came to a realization.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested