become aware

USAGE SUMMARY

'become aware' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is not currently aware of something but will become so in the future. For example, "John became aware of the consequences of his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You become aware of something very dark.

The New York Times - Books

What do we become aware of?

The New Yorker

Therefore, Muslims must become aware and organized.

The New York Times

If they become aware – that's the key.

The Guardian - Opinion

I become aware of a commotion at reception.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To perceive is to become aware of stimulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Children become aware of their parents' gluttonous adulteries.

The New York Times - Books

Together we must become aware of the challenges ahead.

Independent

You become aware of details you've never noticed.

The New York Times

They have become aware of their power over me.

The New Yorker

You become aware of it, you have the conversation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become aware" to indicate a process of gaining knowledge or understanding, particularly when the subject was previously unaware.

Common error

Instead of writing 'it should become aware', use the active voice: 'the user must "become aware"' for clearer and more direct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become aware" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process of gaining consciousness or knowledge of something. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, confirming its role in expressing a transition from unawareness to awareness. According to Ludwig AI, the usage of the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become aware" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of gaining knowledge or understanding. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correct usage. It's frequently found in news, general information articles, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to slightly informal tone. For alternative phrases, consider "realize" or "recognize" depending on the specific context. Remember to use "become aware of" rather than "become aware about". Overall, this is a reliable phrase for expressing a transition to awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

realize

Implies a sudden understanding or awareness of something.

recognize

Suggests identifying something already known, but perhaps not consciously.

perceive

Refers to becoming aware through the senses or intuition.

notice

Indicates a casual or unintentional observation.

understand

Emphasizes comprehension and grasp of meaning, more than just awareness.

grasp

Signifies seizing mentally

apprehend

Formal term for understanding or perceiving something.

fathom

Implies delving deeply into understanding something.

get wise to

Suggests learning about something previously unknown, often something negative or secretive.

wake up to

Signifies a sudden awareness, often of a problem or injustice.

FAQs

How can I use "become aware" in a sentence?

You can use "become aware" to describe the process of gaining knowledge or understanding, such as, 'The public is beginning to "become aware" of the environmental consequences of single-use plastics.'

What is a more formal alternative to "become aware"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "recognize" or "apprehend". These words often carry a more serious or intellectual tone.

Is it the same to say "become aware" and "be aware"?

"Be aware" indicates a current state of knowledge, while "become aware" indicates the process of gaining that knowledge. For example, "Be aware of the risks" advises caution, whereas "become aware of the risks" suggests learning about those risks.

Which is correct, "become aware of" or "become aware about"?

The correct phrase is "become aware of". The preposition "of" is used to link "aware" with the object of awareness. Using "about" is generally considered incorrect.