aware of the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aware of the time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing someone's consciousness or mindfulness regarding the current time or a specific deadline. Example: "She was aware of the time and knew she had to leave soon." Alternative expressions include "conscious of the time" and "mindful of the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am aware of the time passing.

The New Yorker

Not aware of the time that passed.

The New York Times

We had always been aware of the time problem".

The Guardian - Sport

After playing a while, the players stopped being aware of the time lag.

The New York Times

David thought, anxious to hear, though aware of the time ticking away.

The New Yorker

By enjoying the process and not being aware of the time.

The Guardian

The Czechs are generally still not even aware of the time they've lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

People should be aware of the time and the energy this takes.

The New York Times

Aware of the time, I soon dived into the familiar stand where I had bought the peaches and okra that morning.

The New Yorker

"You're very aware of the time of year [at Christmas], and the noisy, sugared-up, slightly tipsy household," said Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And both were aware of the time pressure placed on them by mortality, Beethoven because of his deafness and Eliot because of the war.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In narrative writing, use this phrase to show a character's internal pressure or the ticking of a literal or metaphorical clock.

Common error

Avoid omitting the definite article when referring to a specific situation. Writing 'aware of time' often refers to the philosophical concept of time's existence, whereas "aware of the time" refers to the current time on the clock or a specific deadline. Ensure you include 'the' when context requires focus on the present moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aware of the time" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It typically follows a linking verb or acts as a post-positive modifier. In the data provided by Ludwig, it is frequently used to describe a state of consciousness regarding a deadline or the current hour. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity as a standard way to express temporal mindfulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Social Media

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aware of the time" is an essential tool for expressing temporal awareness in English. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a highly versatile and grammatically correct expression used by leading global publications and scientific journals. Whether used to describe a protagonist's growing anxiety in The New Yorker or as a practical tip in WikiHow guides, the phrase consistently communicates a sense of situational mindfulness. It is particularly effective because it bridges the gap between casual conversation and formal reporting without losing clarity. Writers should feel confident using it to indicate awareness of deadlines, durations or simple punctuality across all mediums.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conscious of the time

Slightly more formal, emphasizing internal mental awareness.

mindful of the time

Implies a deliberate focus or careful consideration of temporal limits.

attentive to the time

Suggests a respectful or professional focus on punctuality.

keeping an eye on the clock

An idiomatic expression suggesting more active, visual monitoring.

observant of the time

Emphasizes the act of noticing or paying attention.

watching the clock

Can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being bored or impatient.

cognizant of the hour

Highly formal, often used in academic or legal contexts.

alert to the time

Suggests a heightened state of readiness or quick reaction to a deadline.

noticing the passage of time

Focuses more on the progression of time rather than the specific hour.

sensitive to the timing

Shifts the focus from the clock to the appropriateness of a moment.

FAQs

How do I use "aware of the time" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's mindfulness, such as: 'She was "aware of the time" and knew the meeting would end soon.' This shows she was monitoring the clock.

What is the difference between "aware of the time" and "conscious of the time"?

While nearly identical, "conscious of the time" often implies a deeper mental acknowledgment, whereas "aware of the time" is more common in general and professional descriptions of simple mindfulness.

Can I say "mindful of the time" instead?

Yes, "mindful of the time" is a great alternative that often suggests a careful or polite effort to be punctual or efficient.

Is "aware of the time" formal?

It is neutral and widely accepted in all settings. For a more formal variant, you might choose "cognizant of the time", though it is used much less frequently.