without their realizing it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without their realizing it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is unaware of something happening or being done, often in a subtle or indirect manner. Example: "The children were playing in the garden, without their realizing it, their laughter attracted the attention of the neighbors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hearing "Namaskar," they opened their eyes and saw that without their realizing it — for no one had spoken — the rest of the yoga class had gathered in the pavilion, eyes closed, waiting to begin.

The New Yorker

It happened without their realizing it.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In fact, the Confederate onslaught surged past the wounded soldiers without their even realizing it, enveloping them behind enemy lines.

The New York Times

Although this war must never involve violence, he said, and Christians must love the human enemies who come under Satan's power, "even without their fully realizing it," he went on to say that the most dangerous enemies were not those openly attacking the church but "more subtle enemies".

The New York Times

Without their even realizing it, weight started to creep on.

TechCrunch

In other cases, parked vehicles accidentally rolled away and engines were left running for hours without their owners realizing it.

Los Angeles Times

Some people carry M.R.S.A. germs in their noses or on their skin without realizing it.

The New York Times

In an effort to offer more to customers, retailers tend to make choices that increase the complexity of their operations sometimes without realizing it.

Harvard Business Review

They have outsourced their brains without realizing it.

Forbes

Many people eat foods that are harmful to their body without realizing it.

HuffPost

It is the emotional entitlement to speak and be heard that our mother either owned or didn't own that daughters inherit from their mothers without realizing it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without their realizing it" to subtly indicate that a group is unaware of the consequences or implications of their actions. This can add nuance to your writing, particularly when describing gradual or unconscious processes.

Common error

Avoid using "without their realizing it" when it's clear the subjects should be aware of what's happening. This phrase is most effective when highlighting a subtle or gradual process that escapes immediate attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without their realizing it" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it typically describes how an action is performed, emphasizing the lack of awareness on the part of the subjects involved. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that something occurred without the conscious knowledge or understanding of a group of people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without their realizing it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that a group of people are unaware of something that is happening or being done, often subtly or gradually. Its usage is common in news, academic, and even wiki sources, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, be sure to convey genuine unawareness, rather than a situation where the subjects should reasonably be aware. Alternative phrases like "unbeknownst to them" or "without their knowledge" can provide a more formal tone. The provided examples demonstrate the phrase's versatility in describing subtle influences and unintended consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without any realization on their part

Adds emphasis on the absence of realization or awareness.

without their knowledge

Substitutes "realizing" with "knowledge", focusing on the lack of awareness.

without them being aware

Emphasizes the lack of awareness using a more explicit construction.

unbeknownst to them

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverbial phrase for a more concise expression.

without them noticing

Focuses on the lack of observation as the key element of unawareness.

without their perception

Highlights the absence of perception or understanding.

unconsciously

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb expressing the lack of conscious awareness.

imperceptibly to them

Stresses that the action occurred in a way that was not easily noticed.

without them apprehending it

Uses a more formal verb, 'apprehending', to denote understanding.

little did they know

Employs an idiomatic expression to indicate a lack of awareness about future events.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without their realizing it" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "unbeknownst to them", "without their knowledge", or "without any realization on their part". These alternatives, while conveying the same meaning, lend a more sophisticated air to your writing. See also: "unbeknownst to them", "without their knowledge".

Is it grammatically correct to say "without them realizing it"?

Yes, "without them realizing it" is grammatically correct. The possessive pronoun "their" is appropriate when referring to a group or collective. The alternative "without him/her realizing it" is suitable for singular subjects.

What is the difference between "without realizing it" and "unconsciously"?

"Without realizing it" implies a lack of awareness regarding a specific action or its consequences. "Unconsciously", "unconsciously", describes actions performed without conscious thought or intention, often rooted in psychological processes.

In what contexts is it best to use "without their realizing it"?

This phrase is best used when describing situations where a group is subtly influenced or affected by something without being fully aware of it. It's particularly useful in narratives or analytical writing where you want to highlight a gradual or unintended consequence.