actually being aware of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually being aware of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a state of consciousness or realization about something specific. Example: "She was surprised to find that she was actually being aware of her surroundings during the meditation session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

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

The whole thing started off pretty unspectacularly when Mr. and Mrs. Baumberger (aka the Busters, one half of which is Dolly Buster, Germany's most famous porn star who spread her legs for hundreds and hundreds of European adult movies and her husband) signed a little form without actually being aware of what they were signing.

Vice

This indicates that a considerable number of people suffer a chronic lifelong condition without actually being aware of it.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

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

This way the homeowner will actually be aware of how much in rebate they are receiving.

Huffington Post

"And I also loaned him a $1 million dollars, that people wouldn't actually be aware of, that he paid back," the rapper continued.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually being aware of" to emphasize a contrast between a previous state of unawareness and a current state of realization, or to highlight a surprising level of consciousness in a situation where it might be unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "actually being aware of" too frequently in your writing, as the word 'actually' can sometimes weaken the sentence. Consider whether the emphasis it provides is truly necessary, or if a simpler phrase like "being aware of" would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually being aware of" functions as a participial phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of consciousness or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "actually being aware of" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a state of consciousness or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is particularly useful for emphasizing a contrast with a previous state of unawareness or highlighting the unexpected nature of the awareness. While the phrase appears across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it's crucial to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "truly recognizing" or "genuinely conscious of" to enhance clarity and impact. The phrase's presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly recognizing

Emphasizes genuine acknowledgement, differing slightly from the gradual process implied by "being aware".

genuinely conscious of

Highlights a state of active perception, where "actually" adds a layer of surprise or confirmation.

fully cognizant of

Implies complete and thorough awareness, potentially more formal than the original phrase.

really mindful of

Focuses on paying attention and being present, shifting the emphasis to attentiveness.

acutely perceptive of

Suggests a heightened sensitivity and detailed awareness, making it more specific.

distinctly aware of

Highlights the clarity and unambiguous nature of the awareness.

consciously registering

Implies an active mental process of acknowledging something.

veritably informed about

Emphasizes the possession of information, making it suitable for factual contexts.

honestly apprehending

Highlights the truthful and sincere grasp of a concept.

legitimately recognizing

Implies a valid and justifiable acknowledgement of something.

FAQs

How can I use "actually being aware of" in a sentence?

You can use "actually being aware of" to emphasize a state of realization or consciousness, as in, "She surprised herself by actually being aware of the beauty around her."

What are some alternatives to "actually being aware of"?

Alternatives include "truly recognizing", "genuinely conscious of", or "fully cognizant of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "actually being aware of"?

While not strictly redundant, the word "actually" can sometimes be omitted without changing the core meaning. Its inclusion often serves to add emphasis or highlight a contrast with a prior state of unawareness.

When is it appropriate to use "actually being aware of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a state of realization or consciousness, especially when it's surprising or unexpected. For example, "He was actually being aware of the present moment for the first time in years."