Phrase · C2 · Neutral · common in reflective speech and writing
come to realize
kum tuh REE-uh-lyz Stress realize; come changes to came in the past, and to stays before the base verb.
Gradually begin to understand or recognize something that was not clear before.
postepeno shvatiti; doći do saznanja; uvideti
Use it
As I reviewed the correspondence, I came to realize how much context was missing.
A wh-clause states the insight that developed gradually.
You may come to realize that the quieter option is actually more effective.
May presents a possible future change in understanding.
Build the sentence
come to realize + that-clause or wh-clause
Memory scene
Understanding is a dimmer switch, not a flashbulb: over time, the room becomes bright enough to see the truth.
Watch out
Use realize directly for a sudden or simple recognition. Come to realize normally suggests a process over time; do not follow it with an -ing form: come to realize that, not come to realizing that.
Nearby language
The closest explicit paraphrase.
Usually means obtain new factual information, often from an external source, rather than develop an understanding.
Often describes a more sudden moment when understanding finally arrives.
Make it yours
Tek posle nekoliko nedelja rada shvatili ste da sporiji postupak daje tačnije rezultate.