be unaware of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unaware of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone does not have knowledge or awareness of something. Example: "She seemed to be unaware of the changes happening in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People can be unaware of their response to a stimulus.

University of California, Berkeley

Some lebensborn children may be unaware of their past.

The Guardian

People may be unaware of the disputes these can cause.

The Guardian - Money

Some stores appear to be unaware of these statutes.

The New York Times - Style

But many people will be unaware of that fact.

The Guardian

Parents may be unaware of what is available.

The New York Times - Health

Not that many of us will be unaware of schizophrenia.

The Guardian - Opinion

They also seem to be unaware of nuance.

The New York Times

Most Western scholars appear to be unaware of it.

The New York Times - Arts

And many may simply be unaware of the program.

The New York Times

He claimed to be unaware of his son's business dealings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be unaware of" to describe a state of lacking knowledge, not a deliberate act of ignoring. For intentional disregard, consider phrases like "disregard" or "ignore".

Common error

Avoid substituting "be unaware of" with phrases that imply active avoidance or ignorance. "Be unaware of" simply means lacking knowledge, while other phrases might suggest a deliberate choice to ignore something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unaware of" functions primarily as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of lacking knowledge or consciousness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, evidenced by numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unaware of" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of knowledge or consciousness about something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse domains, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While various alternatives exist, such as "not know about" or "be oblivious to", the choice depends on the specific nuance and context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating who is unaware and what they lack knowledge of. Avoid confusing it with phrases that imply deliberate ignorance or avoidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not know about

Directly replaces "be unaware of" with a simpler, more common expression.

have no knowledge of

Emphasizes the absence of information.

be ignorant of

Implies a lack of knowledge, sometimes with a negative connotation.

be unfamiliar with

Indicates a lack of experience or acquaintance with something.

be unconscious of

Focuses on a lack of conscious perception.

not be informed about

Highlights the lack of information provided.

be oblivious to

Suggests a complete lack of awareness, often due to being preoccupied.

be incognizant of

A more formal synonym for being unaware.

be in the dark about

An idiomatic expression for being uninformed.

fail to recognize

Focuses on the act of not perceiving or understanding something.

FAQs

How can I use "be unaware of" in a sentence?

You can use "be unaware of" to indicate a lack of knowledge about something. For example, "Many people may "be unaware of" the potential risks involved".

What are some alternatives to "be unaware of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not know about", "be ignorant of", or "be oblivious to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unaware of" or "not aware of"?

Both "unaware of" and "not aware of" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Unaware of" is slightly more concise and often preferred in formal writing, while "not aware of" might sound more natural in informal conversation.

What's the difference between "be unaware of" and "be conscious of"?

"Be unaware of" indicates a lack of knowledge or perception, while "be conscious of" implies being aware and attentive to something. They are antonyms, representing opposite states of awareness.