all too aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'all too aware' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize or describe a situation that was understood well. For example: "We are all too aware of the challenges our generation faces".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gould is all too aware that life wasn't always better.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, reassuringly, he seems all too aware of the potentially dangerous power enjoyed by architects.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet the college is all too aware that students have never been so hard-pressed financially.

The Guardian

Ten years later, the same former students are all too aware of the problem.

The Guardian

I'm all too aware of the grim irony.

TechCrunch

And he is all too aware of his sport's dangers.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Mbeki is all too aware of that.

The Economist

Ms. Gadde is all too aware of the scrutiny.

The New York Times

He was all too aware of his own limitations.

The New York Times - Books

Dr. Palmon is all too aware of this possibility.

The New York Times

Follows, all too aware of the burden of debt, snorted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all too aware" to emphasize a shared or commonly understood understanding, particularly when the understanding involves a negative or challenging situation.

Common error

Avoid using "all too aware" when the situation being described is positive or desirable; it often implies a negative or burdensome awareness. Instead, consider using alternatives like "fully aware" or "well informed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all too aware" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating that the subject possesses a heightened or emphatic awareness of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all too aware" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong, often negative, understanding of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember to use "all too aware" when you want to emphasize that someone is acutely conscious of a fact, particularly when that fact is undesirable. While versatile, avoid using it in overtly positive contexts, as it typically implies a sense of burden or challenge. Alternatives like "keenly aware" or "fully conscious" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Therefore, choose "all too aware" when you want to highlight a sharp, often unpleasant, realization of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keenly aware

Emphasizes a sharp or intense awareness.

painfully aware

Highlights the unpleasantness or difficulty associated with the awareness.

fully conscious

Focuses on the complete and deliberate nature of the awareness.

deeply conscious

Suggests a profound and thoughtful awareness.

well informed

Indicates a state of having extensive knowledge about a topic.

highly cognizant

Implies a formal or intellectual awareness.

completely informed

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the knowledge possessed.

absolutely certain

Highlights the lack of doubt in one's awareness.

intimately familiar

Indicates a close and personal awareness, usually based on experience.

broadly conversant

Suggests a general but knowledgeable awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "all too aware" in a sentence?

You can use "all too aware" to indicate a strong understanding of a situation, often one that is negative or undesirable. For example, "We are "all too aware" of the challenges ahead".

What can I say instead of "all too aware"?

Alternatives to "all too aware" include "keenly aware", "painfully aware", or "fully conscious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "all too aware" in a positive context?

While grammatically correct, using "all too aware" in a positive context can sound unusual. It's generally better suited for negative or challenging situations. Consider using alternatives like "well informed" or "highly cognizant" for positive contexts.

What's the difference between "all too aware" and "fully aware"?

"All too aware" emphasizes a burdensome or negative understanding, while "fully aware" simply indicates a complete understanding without necessarily implying negativity. For instance, "I am "fully aware" of the project requirements" is neutral, whereas "I am "all too aware" of the risks involved" highlights the potential problems.