awakening to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awakening to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of becoming aware of something or gaining insight into a situation or feeling. Example: "After years of denial, she finally found herself awakening to the reality of her circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We love you from awakening to retiring.

The New York Times

The church is awakening to the needs of Hispanics.

The New York Times

We are awakening to a dollar-store economy.

The New York Times - Magazine

He suddenly thought of his neighbors awakening to the sound.

The New Yorker

They keep awakening to find their playoff hopes slipping away.

The New York Times - Sports

People were awakening to the dangers of climate change.

The Guardian

"We are awakening to the reality that our energy nationalism is shooting us in the foot".

The New York Times

I am slowly awakening to the idea of my final sleep, but I'm taking it slow.

The New York Times

Michael Cerveris plays her father, who killed himself just as Bechdel was awakening to her sexuality.

The New Yorker

And Hollywood directors were awakening to the book's cinematic potential; José Quintero had expressed particular interest.

The New Yorker

For Kellogg, the process of awakening to cetacean exceptionality was a grisly one.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awakening to" to describe a gradual or sudden realization of something previously unnoticed or unappreciated. This often implies a shift in perspective or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "awakening to" when describing instantaneous or immediate comprehension. The phrase implies a process of becoming aware, not an immediate grasp of a concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awakening to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase often used with a verb to indicate the beginning of awareness or realization. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts, from personal revelations to societal shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awakening to" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express the beginning of awareness or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's most effective when describing a gradual shift in perception. When similar phrases like "becoming aware of", "realizing", or "waking up to" may be used as alternatives, remember that "awakening to" emphasizes the process of becoming conscious of something previously unnoticed or unappreciated. Understanding this nuance ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming aware of

Focuses on the state of awareness rather than the process of achieving it.

realizing

Emphasizes the moment of understanding or comprehension.

waking up to

Similar in meaning but carries a more informal and figurative tone.

recognizing

Highlights the identification and acknowledgement of something.

appreciating

Suggests a growing understanding and valuing of something.

understanding

Focuses on the comprehension aspect, potentially lacking the initial surprise of "awakening".

gaining insight into

More formal and emphasizes the acquisition of deeper understanding.

becoming conscious of

Highlights the awareness aspect, often in a more deliberate or reflective way.

attuning to

Focuses on adjusting or aligning oneself to something, often subtly.

perceiving

Emphasizes the sensory or intuitive grasp of something.

FAQs

How can I use "awakening to" in a sentence?

Use "awakening to" to describe a process of becoming aware of something. For example, "She is "awakening to" the challenges of climate change" or "He had a difficult time then, falling asleep and "awakening to" the sound of gunfire".

What phrases are similar to "awakening to"?

Alternatives include "becoming aware of", "realizing", or "waking up to", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "awakening to" or "aware of"?

"Awakening to" implies a process of becoming conscious, while "aware of" suggests a state of already being conscious. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the transition or the current state of awareness.

What's the difference between "awakening to" and "coming to terms with"?

"Awakening to" signifies becoming aware of something, while "coming to terms with" means accepting something, often difficult or unpleasant. They relate to different stages of understanding and acceptance.