acute awareness

USAGE SUMMARY

"acute awareness" is a grammatically correct expression in written English.
It is often used to refer to the feeling of being especially alert or sensitive to something - either physically or emotionally. For example, "He had an acute awareness of the danger that was approaching".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The underlying message always: an acute awareness of choices.

The Guardian - Books

He brings this acute awareness to Sweet Caress.

The Guardian - Books

As he teaches it, mindfulness calls for acute awareness of the present moment.

The New York Times

By then, the thrill had ebbed to reveal an acute awareness of loss.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sanada is expert at alternating Seibei's acute awareness of his surroundings with a bland guardedness.

The New York Times

The same acute awareness of time passing is also a hallmark of Brel's songs.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Quaid brings to the role an unusually acute awareness of age and time passing.

The New York Times

"We do so professionally, humanely and with an acute awareness with the impact enforcement has on the individuals we encounter.

The New York Times

The intensity of the panic attacks I suffered early on has lessened, but the acute awareness of each jet remains.

The New York Times

Like most motorcyclists, he finds it unlike any other driving experience, with an acute awareness of one's surroundings and sensations.

The New York Times

There is an acute awareness of surfaces, both inside and out, and their degrees of shine or roughness.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute awareness" to emphasize a heightened sense of perception or understanding that is crucial in a specific context. For instance, describe how a character's "acute awareness" of their surroundings helps them navigate a dangerous situation.

Common error

Avoid using "acute awareness" when a simpler term like "awareness" or "understanding" suffices. Using "acute awareness" to describe basic observations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute awareness" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "acute" modifies "awareness". It emphasizes a heightened or intensified state of consciousness or perception. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

25%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acute awareness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a heightened state of perception or understanding. As Ludwig confirms, it is used across various contexts, primarily in news, media, books and the arts. While the phrase conveys a heightened sensitivity and understanding, it's best used when a simpler phrase would not capture the intended intensity, avoiding overuse in simple observational contexts. Consider alternatives like "heightened perception" or "keen sense" depending on the specific emphasis required. Overall, using "acute awareness" appropriately can add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heightened perception

Focuses more on sensory input and less on cognitive understanding compared to "acute awareness".

keen sense

Implies a natural or developed ability to notice and understand things sharply; "acute awareness" can be more deliberate.

sharp understanding

Emphasizes intellectual grasp more than sensory or emotional alertness.

intense cognizance

More formal and emphasizes the state of being consciously aware with greater intensity.

heightened sensitivity

Focuses specifically on emotional or sensory responses rather than broad understanding.

deep insight

Suggests a profound understanding of underlying issues, often gained through reflection.

clear perception

Highlights the clarity and accuracy of understanding, rather than the intensity of awareness.

vivid consciousness

Emphasizes the clarity and intensity of conscious experience.

pronounced recognition

Focuses on the act of recognizing or acknowledging something with emphasis.

unerring intuition

Implies an instinctive and accurate understanding without conscious reasoning.

FAQs

What does "acute awareness" mean?

"Acute awareness" refers to a heightened or intensified state of being conscious or aware of something, often involving a deep understanding or sensitivity to details.

How can I use "acute awareness" in a sentence?

You can use "acute awareness" to describe someone's heightened perception or understanding of a situation. For example: "The detective had an "acute awareness" of the subtle clues at the crime scene."

What are some synonyms for "acute awareness"?

Alternatives for "acute awareness" include "heightened perception", "keen sense", or "sharp understanding", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "acute awareness" and "awareness"?

"Acute awareness" implies a more intense and detailed level of consciousness than simple "awareness". The term "acute" emphasizes the sharpness and depth of the perception.