What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
realised
Example
I realised that I had left my phone at home after I arrived at work. [realised: past tense]
Example
After studying for hours, she finally realised the answer to the math problem. [realised: verb]
Example
He realised his dream of becoming a doctor after years of hard work. [realised: past participle]
grasped
Example
She grasped the concept of calculus quickly and easily. [grasped: past tense]
Example
The child grasped the toy tightly in her hand. [grasped: verb]
Example
He grasped the opportunity to travel abroad and experience new cultures. [grasped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Realised is more commonly used in British English, while grasped is more common in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between realised and grasped?
Both realised and grasped can be used in formal and informal contexts, but realised may be considered slightly more formal due to its intellectual connotation.
