be conscious of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be conscious of something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate awareness or mindfulness regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "It is important to be conscious of the impact our actions have on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Philosopher J Krishnamurti said that "to be conscious of something, to be aware of, to recognise, to understand, that is the whole field in which the mind is in operation, and that is more or less what we mean by consciousness.

The Guardian

Rand regards consciousness as inherently relational: to be conscious is to be conscious of something beyond one's own consciousness, and of one's consciousness itself only secondarily.

SEP

For him, freedom is the dislocation of consciousness from its object, the fundamental "nihilation" or negation by means of which consciousness can grasp its object without losing itself in it: to be conscious of something is to be conscious of not being it, a "not" that arises in the very structure of consciousness as being for-itself.

SEP

In his criticism of Leibniz's Amphiboly, Kant says much the same thing about space and time — to be conscious of space and time is to be conscious of something over and above the qualities of space and time (A276=B332; see A281=B337).

SEP

One can be conscious of something (namely, a sensible quality) without thereby reflecting on it (Kulstad 87 91).[14] Further, like Descartes, Locke argues that this is the essence of thought one can't have a thought without "being conscious of it" (2.1.19).

SEP

In the same way that to be conscious of something's existence is not to be conscious of any quality of it, being conscious of oneself as oneself could be something over and above being conscious of qualities of oneself.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Baxter was conscious of something unusual- he was being listened to with attention.

The New Yorker

I have a feeling that, in 1905, she's conscious of something.

The New Yorker

Can there be consciousness in the abstract, distinct from being conscious of something?

The Guardian - Books

Now, however, I am conscious of something brewing in my stomach like bad ale: I am not physically unwell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the one hand, we can speak of our being conscious of something, be it x, y, or z.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be conscious of something", ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "be conscious of the risks", specify "be conscious of the risks associated with this investment".

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying heavily on "be conscious of something" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms such as "be aware of", "be mindful of", or "pay attention to" to enhance readability and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be conscious of something" functions as a verbal phrase expressing awareness or mindfulness. It highlights the state of being aware and attentive to a particular object, situation, or concept, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be conscious of something" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to denote awareness or mindfulness. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While effective, avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "be aware of" or "be mindful of" for stylistic variation. Remember to clearly define what the 'something' is to maintain clarity. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "be conscious of something" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aware of something

Focuses on having knowledge or perception of something, rather than necessarily paying active attention to it.

be mindful of something

Emphasizes a deliberate and thoughtful awareness, often with a sense of responsibility.

pay attention to something

Highlights the act of directing one's focus towards something.

be cognizant of something

Implies a formal and intellectual awareness of something.

take note of something

Suggests observing and remembering something for future reference.

be sensible of something

Implies a sensitivity and understanding of something, often an emotional state or situation.

keep in mind something

Focuses on retaining awareness of a piece of information or a fact.

bear in mind something

Similar to "keep in mind", but often used to introduce a qualification or important consideration.

be heedful of something

Implies careful attention and obedience to a warning or instruction.

be observant of something

Focuses on noticing details and paying close attention to one's surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "be conscious of something" in a sentence?

You can use "be conscious of something" to indicate awareness or mindfulness. For example: "It's important to be conscious of the potential consequences" or "She needs to be conscious of her spending habits".

What phrases are similar to "be conscious of something"?

Similar phrases include "be aware of", "be mindful of", and "pay attention to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be conscious of something" or "be aware of something"?

Both "be conscious of something" and "be aware of something" are correct, but "be conscious of" often implies a more active or deliberate awareness than simply "be aware of".

When should I use "be conscious of something" in my writing?

Use "be conscious of something" when you want to emphasize the importance of being actively aware and mindful of a specific issue, situation, or detail. Consider using alternatives like "be mindful of" or "pay attention to" for variety and nuance.