becoming aware of

USAGE SUMMARY

"becoming aware of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of gaining knowledge or understanding of something. For example, "He became aware of the dangers of climbing without proper gear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In District 15, becoming aware of the council has meant also becoming aware of Mr. Devor.

The New York Times

It was a question, I think, of my becoming aware of her becoming aware of me.

The New Yorker

"But they're becoming aware of people's inability to disengage".

The New York Times - Tech

"I have my Twitter fans all becoming aware of it".

The New York Times

Still, they were becoming aware of a difference.

The New York Times

I am just becoming aware of how guilty I feel being queer".

The Economist

Welles also embraced Brazilian culture, becoming aware of the Afro-Brazilian origins of samba.

The New Yorker

Later in life bonding and becoming aware of our common interests.

The New York Times

Those on the bus, it was explained, were already becoming aware of the attacks underground.

Independent

These plans offer a real alternative, but consumers are only now becoming aware of them.

The New York Times - Health

"Here was a young girl who was becoming aware of our democracy," Mr. Obama said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becoming aware of" to describe a gradual process of gaining knowledge or understanding, rather than a sudden realization. For example, "She was becoming aware of the subtle nuances in his argument."

Common error

Avoid using "becoming aware of" in constructions where a more direct, active verb would be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "The problem was becoming aware of by the team", write "The team became aware of the problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming aware of" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the process of transitioning into a state of awareness. As Ludwig AI pointed out, its grammatical status is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becoming aware of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the gradual process of realizing or understanding something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. While alternatives like "realizing" or "recognizing" exist, "becoming aware of" often emphasizes the evolving nature of understanding. When writing, it's important to ensure you're highlighting a process, not a static state, and to avoid unnecessarily passive constructions. Being mindful of these points will help you use "becoming aware of" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to understand

This emphasizes the process of gradually reaching comprehension.

recognizing

This suggests identifying something already present but not previously acknowledged.

perceiving

This denotes becoming conscious of something through the senses or intuition.

realizing

This alternative conveys a moment of sudden understanding, implying a quicker transition to awareness.

understanding

This describes a state of comprehension after a period of learning or discovery.

noticing

This highlights the act of simply observing or perceiving something, often subtly.

grasping

This emphasizes understanding something complex or difficult.

waking up to

This idiom suggests a sudden and impactful realization, often about something previously ignored.

apprehending

This implies a more intellectual or formal understanding of something.

getting wise to

This colloquial phrase implies uncovering a hidden truth or deception.

FAQs

How can I use "becoming aware of" in a sentence?

You can use "becoming aware of" to describe the process of gradually realizing or understanding something. For instance, "He is "becoming aware of" the challenges ahead".

What are some alternatives to "becoming aware of"?

Some alternatives include "realizing", "recognizing", or "noticing", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "becoming aware of" and "being aware of"?

"Becoming aware of" indicates a process of gaining knowledge or understanding, while "being aware of" describes a state of already possessing that knowledge. For example, someone is "becoming aware of" a problem, then they are "being aware of" it after they understand it.

Which is more formal: "becoming aware of" or "realizing"?

"Becoming aware of" tends to be slightly more formal than "realizing", but both are generally acceptable in most writing contexts.