become conscious

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "become conscious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a way to refer to someone becoming aware of something or becoming more aware of the situation surrounding them. For example, "As he slowly began to become conscious of his surroundings, he realized he was in a strange new place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But we must become conscious.

The New York Times

"She's become conscious of that".

The New York Times - Sports

That is what forces coconuts to become conscious.

The Guardian

"I was starting to become conscious of what I didn't know.

The New York Times

I have just become conscious of the fact that nobody is interested in our story.

The New York Times

How do we become conscious of a certain stimulus, or indeed "conscious" at all?

The New Yorker

First, you become conscious of the press of people, the yellow London brick, the neon.

The Guardian - Film

At many points throughout the show, you become conscious of connections between human and technological storage.

The New York Times - Arts

"I want people to become conscious that we are ashamed of our bodies," he added.

The New York Times

"Then you become conscious of it and realize you can't get any relief".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These 'subconscious' products become conscious to the finite mind, Maimon claims, by being represented in space and time.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become conscious" to describe the process of gaining awareness of something previously unnoticed or misunderstood. It emphasizes the transition from a state of unawareness to one of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "become conscious" when you specifically mean to describe someone waking up after fainting or being unconscious. "Regain consciousness" is more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "become conscious" is as a verb phrase indicating a process of transition into a state of awareness. Ludwig shows examples where it functions to describe gaining awareness of external stimuli, internal states, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become conscious" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of gaining awareness or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. While alternatives like ""become aware"" or ""realize"" exist, "become conscious" effectively captures the transition into a state of awareness. Remember to use "regain consciousness" when referring to waking up after a period of unconsciousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become aware

Focuses on the state of knowing or realizing something.

gain consciousness

Emphasizes the regaining of awareness after a period of unconsciousness.

awaken to

Implies a sudden realization or understanding of something, often after a period of ignorance.

realize

Highlights the moment of understanding or recognition.

recognize

Focuses on identifying something previously unknown or misunderstood.

come to understand

Suggests a gradual process of gaining knowledge or insight.

begin to perceive

Emphasizes the initial stages of awareness and sensory input.

grow mindful

Focuses on cultivating a state of awareness and attention to the present moment.

develop awareness

Highlights the progressive nature of increasing knowledge or perception.

achieve sentience

Indicates the attainment of consciousness or self-awareness, often in the context of artificial intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "become conscious" to indicate the process of gaining awareness or understanding of something. For example, "People are starting to "become conscious" of the environmental impact of their choices".

What's a good alternative to "become conscious"?

Alternatives include "become aware", "realize", or "recognize". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say 'become conscious of' or 'become aware of'?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "become aware of" might be slightly more common in general usage.

What does it mean to "become conscious" of something?

To "become conscious" of something means to start noticing it, understanding it, or being aware of its existence or importance. It implies a change in perception or understanding.