edge of awareness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of awareness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of heightened perception or consciousness, often in a philosophical or psychological context. Example: "As she meditated, she felt herself drifting to the edge of awareness, where thoughts began to dissolve into pure consciousness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In this kind of secluded place it is easier to reflect and discover thoughts just at the edge of awareness.

The New York Times - Science

But Willis has that gleam in his eye, a little edge of awareness that doesn't require words, and he gets away with the strong-and-silent routines that would be laughable from another actor.

The New Yorker

Finally, chapter seven (Living on the Fragile Edge of Awareness), presents powerful evidence concerning the brain as the root of our consciousness.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the same time, it has an edge of contemporary awareness and a gently persistent wit.

The New Yorker

In his daze, his sleepiness, in his wonder at the white creature trembling beside him at the altar, on the edge of his awareness like a rainbow in a fog, he had forgotten to seal the vows with a kiss.

The New Yorker

National Football League players and even top college athletes are usually coached by those on the cutting edge of risk awareness and management, and have every preventive and curative medical professional and amenity at their disposal to combat illness and injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Although catering to that audience "doesn't guarantee success," Mr. Martin added, citing recent misses like "The Event," "Flash Forward" and the revival of "V," it can provide an edge "in terms of awareness".

The New York Times

Here is the choice: We can continue to fiddle with the edges of our awareness by claiming we have gained consciousness by spouting true but general observations about human nature.

Huffington Post

The issues explored in those films are of the sort that hover around the edges of public awareness without always commanding the full measure of attention they deserve.

The New York Times

He has done so not by highlighting nature's freaks and exceptions — the mutations and bizarre accidents that amaze and horrify — but by exploring the edges of our awareness about the animal kingdom's most familiar group.

The New York Times - Arts

But with the additional sense of someone present, close by, their attention resting on the edges of your awareness gently.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In philosophical or psychological contexts, leverage "edge of awareness" to explore the boundaries between conscious and unconscious states.

Common error

Avoid using "edge of awareness" in contexts that require concrete, easily definable terms. This phrase is best suited for abstract or introspective discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of awareness" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a prepositional object, describing a state of being nearly or partially conscious of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its relevance in describing heightened perception or consciousness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "edge of awareness" is a noun phrase that describes a state of being partially conscious or aware, often used in philosophical or psychological contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While relatively rare, as indicated by Ludwig's analysis, it appears in reputable sources like the New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Guardian, lending it credibility. When using this phrase, consider the abstract nature of the concept and ensure it fits the tone and clarity of your writing. Alternatives such as "brink of awareness" or "threshold of consciousness" might provide similar nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of awareness

Uses "brink" instead of "edge", implying a point just before awareness is fully realized.

fringe of consciousness

Highlights the outer and less defined aspect of consciousness.

forefront of awareness

Replaces "edge" with "forefront", suggesting a more prominent position in one's conscious perception.

margin of perception

Uses margin, similar to edge, to mean the borderline of perception.

threshold of consciousness

Substitutes "awareness" with "consciousness", emphasizing the boundary of conscious experience.

boundary of understanding

Focuses on understanding as the core concept, similar to awareness.

periphery of perception

Replaces "awareness" with "perception" and "edge" with "periphery", focusing on the outer limits of sensory input.

limit of comprehension

Implies a restriction to what can be comprehended.

outer limits of cognizance

Employs "cognizance" for "awareness" and "outer limits" for "edge", highlighting the furthest extent of knowledge or understanding.

verge of realization

Changes the phrase to focus on the point just before something becomes known or understood.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of awareness" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of awareness" to describe a state of being nearly conscious of something, such as "The answer was on the "edge of awareness", just out of reach".

What's a simpler way to express "edge of awareness"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "almost aware", "barely conscious", or "vaguely familiar" instead of ""edge of awareness"".

Is "edge of awareness" a common phrase in academic writing?

While not exceedingly common, ""edge of awareness"" can be found in philosophical and psychological texts to describe states of consciousness.

What is the difference between "edge of awareness" and "state of consciousness"?

"Edge of awareness" refers to a liminal state or boundary, while "state of consciousness" is a broader term encompassing any condition of awareness, from full alertness to deep sleep.