actually been aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually been aware" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's realization or recognition of a fact or situation that may not have been previously acknowledged. Example: "I had thought I was alone in my feelings, but I have actually been aware of the support from my friends all along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What's worse, the state Department of Corrections has actually been aware of the problem since 2012 but never got around to fixing it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I am sure I sensed this, without actually being aware of it.

The Guardian - Books

He has a regular and incredibly consistent schedule, bedtime, set of consequences for misbehavior — if you can call not actually being aware of what he is doing misbehavior.

The New York Times

In fact, in order for something to count as a sport, all participants must actually be aware that they are, in fact, participating in one.

The Guardian - Sport

For instance, maybe it will cost a penny every time you look at your Facebook wall in the future, so you'll have to actually be aware of when you do it.

The New York Times - Magazine

The storywriter I'm talking about is the one who actually is aware that, although the stories have been told before, there is a deep need to tell them again.

The Guardian - Books

The Miami Heat 51-222) have wrapped up the Southeast Division, a goal so far away from their only real goal of pulling off a three-peat in the NBA Finals that nobody on the team might actually be aware that they have done it.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, if one actually is aware of these bits of evidence or reasons, then certainly one can be aware of them.

SEP

Considering the Siri interest, one would think that Wavii would be a better fit for Google Now, as a smarter Siri alternative that actually was aware of important stories and news.

TechCrunch

In an elegant piece of work, Tamir and Zohar 1991 pose a very interesting and important question: Do students use teleological and anthropomorphic terms just as convenient shorthand while they actually are aware of the differences between mechanistic-causal explanations, teleological explanations and anthropomorphic explanations?

Evolution: Education and Outreach

One of the parts of meditation is actually being aware of your surroundings… Sometimes taking a photo, looking down at it, editing it, adding a caption, whatever, actually makes you appreciate the moment that you're in, it makes you stop and say, 'That sunset is beautiful.' So I'm not entirely sure that it takes you out of the moment.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually been aware" to emphasize a prior or existing understanding of something, especially when it might be surprising or contrary to expectations. For instance, "Despite the challenges, I've "actually been aware" of the opportunities presented."

Common error

Avoid using "actually been aware" to describe a newly discovered fact or realization. This phrase implies prior knowledge. Instead, use "just became aware" or "recently realized" to indicate a new understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually been aware" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, emphasizing the reality and duration of awareness. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually been aware" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that someone has genuinely had prior knowledge of something, often contrary to what might be expected. While Ludwig confirms its validity and usability, it's a relatively rare phrase. Its usage spans across news, scientific, and business contexts. Related phrases include "truly realized" and "really understood". When writing, use "actually been aware" to emphasize existing understanding, and avoid it when indicating a newly discovered fact. The phrase is generally suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly realized

Emphasizes a genuine understanding or awakening.

really understood

Focuses on a deep level of comprehension.

become conscious of

Highlights the process of gaining awareness.

recognized all along

Suggests awareness existed for some time.

now understand

Indicates a current state of awareness.

have come to realize

Implies a gradual process of understanding.

finally dawned on me

Emphasizes a sudden realization.

woke up to

Suggests a new understanding of a situation.

have known all along

Implies prior awareness that is now being acknowledged.

have been cognizant of

Implies awareness from the start of something.

FAQs

What does "actually been aware" mean?

The phrase "actually been aware" indicates that someone has, in reality, had knowledge or recognition of something for a period of time, often contrary to what others might expect or assume.

When is it appropriate to use "actually been aware" in a sentence?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that someone possessed prior knowledge of something. For example, "The company had "actually been aware" of the security flaw for months before the breach."

Are there alternatives to "actually been aware" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "truly realized", "really understood", or "become conscious of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "actually been aware" formal or informal language?

The phrase "actually been aware" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "truly realized" or "fully comprehended" for a more elevated tone.