I was definitely aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was definitely aware" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize your certainty about having knowledge or consciousness of something in the past. Example: "During the meeting, I was definitely aware of the concerns raised by my colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But I was definitely aware of a series of triangles, absolutely, and they do play out throughout the book.

The New Yorker

I was definitely aware of that zone when I saw Keira Knightley in "The Misanthrope" in London recently.

The New York Times

Leo leaned over at one point and was like: 'You're being shot on drugs in a slow-motion in a Martin Scorsese film.' I was definitely aware of the surrealness of the moment".

The Guardian - Film

I was definitely aware of that at the time there is that 1970s context the whole way through the book.

Vice

However, Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, whose 2002 release The Young and the Hopeless outsold Warning, opined that "I was definitely aware that our record at the time sold more maybe than their record but I think we idolized them so much that it didn't matter.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm definitely aware of my responsibility.

The New York Times

"It's something I'm definitely aware of and trying to counter," he said.

Independent

"I'm definitely aware of it and when I start to go fast I think I should slow down a bit.

BBC

I saw the dude doing it, yesterday on my lunch hour, and could just tell it was going to be bad he was stopping to talk to passersby, with a grin that said, "Yeah, I am painting some searing fucking satire onto a once-beloved sandwich shop wall, do you wanna see my stencils," and a smile that said, "Oh buddy, I am definitely aware that I am breaking the law right now"—and lo and behold, it was.

Vice

I saw the dude doing it, yesterday on my lunch hour, and could just tell it was going to be bad he was stopping to talk to passersby, with a grin that said, "yeah, I am painting some searing fucking satire onto a once-beloved sandwich shop wall, do you wanna see my stencils," a smile that said, "oh buddy, I am definitely aware that I am breaking the law right now"—and lo and behold, it was.

Vice

ONE may not be emulating its global competition, but it is definitely aware of its presence.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether emphasizing your awareness is truly necessary. Sometimes, a simpler statement like "I was aware" or "I knew" is sufficient and avoids sounding overly assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "I was definitely aware" when a weaker expression of awareness would suffice. Overusing "definitely" can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive or insincere. Ask yourself if the "definitely" adds meaningful emphasis, or if it's just filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was definitely aware" functions as an assertion of past consciousness or knowledge. It's a declarative statement where the speaker emphasizes their certainty about being aware of something at a specific point in time. This is confirmed by Ludwig, who indicates that the phrase is correct and usable for emphasizing certainty.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was definitely aware" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphatically state one's consciousness or knowledge of something in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression. Though not overly formal, it provides a clear assertion suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider whether such emphasis is necessary, as simpler alternatives may suffice. When a stronger affirmation is required, this phrase will effectively communicate your certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was certainly aware

Replaces "definitely" with "certainly", indicating a strong degree of assurance.

I was completely aware

Uses "completely" to emphasize the fullness of awareness.

I was fully aware

Similar to "completely aware", highlighting comprehensive understanding.

I knew very well

Expresses strong awareness using a different verb and adverb.

I was highly conscious of

Emphasizes the level of consciousness or attention.

I understood perfectly

Focuses on understanding as a form of awareness.

I had a clear understanding

Highlights the clarity of the awareness.

It was clear to me

Shifts the focus to the clarity of the situation rather than the speaker's awareness.

I realized fully

Emphasizes the realization aspect of awareness.

I was keenly aware

Uses "keenly" to suggest a sharp and intense awareness.

FAQs

What does "I was definitely aware" mean?

The phrase "I was definitely aware" means that you were not only conscious of something, but you also want to emphasize the certainty and clarity of your awareness at that time.

What's the difference between "I was aware" and "I was definitely aware"?

While both phrases indicate consciousness or knowledge of something, "I was definitely aware" emphasizes the certainty and clarity of that awareness. The addition of "definitely" strengthens the assertion.

How can I rephrase "I was definitely aware" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I was certainly aware", "I was completely aware", or "I had a clear understanding".

Are there situations where it's better to avoid using "I was definitely aware"?

Yes, if you want to avoid sounding overly assertive or if the context doesn't require strong emphasis, a simpler phrase like "I was aware" or "I knew" might be more appropriate.