This verb describes becoming aware of a fact or understanding it.
The idea
Use realize or realise with a noun, a clause with optional that, or a question word such as why. Both spellings are correct; realize is standard in American English and both occur in British English.
Examples
- I realized that the shop was closed.
- She realised her mistake after lunch.
- We realized how far the station was.
- He suddenly realised why the light was on.
- They realized the plan needed more time.
- I realise now that the answer is simple.
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Watch out
Do not use realize to do to introduce a fact; use a clause such as realize that the shop is closed.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form. At the gate, I ___ that my ticket was at home. (realized / realizing)
Show answer or example answer
realized
realized places the discovery at the gate in the past.
Choose the correct form. She realised ___ the meeting had moved. (that / to)
Show answer or example answer
that
that introduces the fact about the moved meeting.
Choose the correct form. I ___ now why the road is quiet. (realize / realise / realizing)
Show answer or example answer
realize / realise
realize / realise are both correct spellings of the present form.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct form. At the gate, I ___ that my ticket was at home. (realized / realizing)
Choose the correct form. She realised ___ the meeting had moved. (that / to)
Choose the correct form. I ___ now why the road is quiet. (realize / realise / realizing)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Describe a fact you recently became aware of.