acutely conscious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acutely conscious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means being highly aware or mindful of something. Example: The politician was acutely conscious of the potential consequences of his actions on his reputation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course he's acutely conscious of this.

The New York Times - Arts

He is acutely conscious of his lineage.

The New York Times - Magazine

He becomes acutely conscious of real estate.

The New York Times

But he is acutely conscious of his other identity.

The New York Times

Each "was an acutely conscious Jew," she says.

The New Yorker

But in practice, local officials are acutely conscious of their lagging growth.

The New York Times

The Drive-By Truckers are Southern rockers who are acutely conscious of their heritage.

The New York Times

More immediately, scientists are acutely conscious that they must make their report watertight.

The Guardian

Throughout his life, he remained acutely conscious of his own rectitude.

The New York Times

This is an exaggeration, of course: China's leaders are acutely conscious of international opinion.

The Economist

"I have been acutely conscious of it for a long, long time," he continues.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acutely conscious" to convey a strong sense of awareness, especially when referring to abstract concepts or situations rather than physical sensations. For example, "He was acutely conscious of the political implications of his decision".

Common error

Avoid using "acutely conscious" when a simpler term like "aware" or "mindful" would suffice, especially in straightforward situations. For example, instead of "She was acutely conscious of the heat", consider "She was aware of the heat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acutely conscious" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of heightened awareness. Ludwig AI provides examples of its use in various contexts, indicating its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acutely conscious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a state of heightened awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news and media contexts, signaling its acceptance in neutral registers. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize a strong sense of awareness, but avoid overuse in simple scenarios where "aware" or "mindful" would suffice. Alternatives like "keenly aware" or "highly sensitive" may offer more precise nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensely aware

Highlights the strength or degree of awareness.

keenly aware

Emphasizes sharpness and clarity of perception, suggesting a more intellectual awareness than emotional.

sharply aware

Suggests a sudden or distinct realization.

deeply aware

Implies a profound understanding or realization, often with an emotional connection.

particularly sensitive

Stresses a specific sensitivity to certain stimuli or situations.

highly sensitive

Focuses on emotional or sensory awareness, rather than intellectual understanding.

distinctly aware

Emphasizes the clarity and separateness of the awareness.

extremely mindful

Focuses on attentiveness and consideration.

especially mindful

Highlights the particular thoughtfulness and attention given to something.

painfully aware

Highlights the unpleasantness or difficulty of the awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "acutely conscious" in a sentence?

You can use "acutely conscious" to describe someone who is highly aware of something, such as a situation, feeling, or fact. For example, "She was acutely conscious of the need for change".

What's a good substitute for "acutely conscious"?

Alternatives to "acutely conscious" include "keenly aware", "intensely aware", or "highly sensitive", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "acutely aware" or "acutely conscious"?

Both "acutely aware" and "acutely conscious" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express. "Acutely conscious" might suggest a slightly deeper level of awareness.

What does it mean to be "acutely conscious" of something?

To be "acutely conscious" of something means to be highly aware and mindful of it, often implying a heightened sensitivity or understanding. It suggests a strong recognition and consideration of the thing in question.