enlightened about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlightened about" is a valid phrase in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate that someone has become aware of, or has been informed about something. For example, "The professor was enlightened about the latest developments in quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I didn't want to be enlightened about the Enlightenment.

Forbes

They claim to be enlightened about women but fail to demonstrate those ethics in practice.

The Guardian - Books

And there is certainly plenty to be both baffled and enlightened about.

The Guardian - Books

We're supposed to recognize our world and maybe ourselves in it, not necessarily be enlightened about anything.

The New York Times

"You could have the debate all day long about whether people are enlightened about whether carbon dioxide should be sequestered," he said.

The New York Times

It was, after all, the party of the southern strategy, and there was precious little that was racially enlightened about its conservative wing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Fascinating — and enlightening about how different reality and humanness are defined in virtual space.

The New York Times

In a discussion that was enlightening about every other aspect of his life and work, Cashman talked about the fame and attention that came with his high-profile work, something he said he never actively sought.

The New York Times - Sports

He is especially enlightening about the Third Way movement, through which Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair shed the paralyzing dogmas of the old left in order to take up policies of forceful engagement abroad along with fiscal responsibility at home.

The New Yorker

Computational calculations complete the experimental data, and enlighten about the redox and photophysical processes.

Dyes and Pigments

Charlie Wilson's War very enlightening about how hard it is to win a war against insurgents.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enlightened about" when you want to emphasize a positive change in someone's understanding or awareness, particularly after a period of ignorance or confusion. For example, "After the seminar, the employees were more enlightened about the company's new policies".

Common error

Avoid using "enlightened to" when "enlightened about" is intended. "Enlightened about" focuses on the subject matter, while "enlightened to" is less common and can sound awkward. For example, say "She became enlightened about the importance of recycling", not "She became enlightened to the importance of recycling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlightened about" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of increased awareness or understanding. It typically follows a verb like "be," "become," or "feel," indicating a change in one's knowledge or perception. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase suggests gaining insight or clarity regarding a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enlightened about" is a widely used phrase indicating that someone has gained awareness or understanding of a particular subject. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase and is grammatically correct, with high frequency across various sources like News & Media and Science. The phrase suggests a positive shift in perspective, making it a valuable asset in writing. While "enlightened about" is correct, be careful to avoid potential misspellings and to be aware of similar phrases, such as "informed about", for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Informed about

Focuses on the acquisition of information.

Aware of

Emphasizes consciousness or perception of a fact or situation.

Knowledgeable about

Highlights expertise or a deep understanding.

Educated about

Implies a formal learning process.

Well-versed in

Suggests comprehensive familiarity with a topic.

Apprised of

Indicates formal or official notification.

Conscious of

Highlights an acute awareness or sensitivity.

Familiar with

Suggests a general understanding or acquaintance.

Briefed on

Implies receiving specific instructions or information.

Told about

A more informal way of saying informed, appropriate in certain informal situations.

FAQs

How can I use "enlightened about" in a sentence?

You can use "enlightened about" to describe someone gaining understanding or awareness of a topic. For example, "The documentary enlightened viewers about the effects of climate change."

What's a good alternative to "enlightened about"?

Alternatives include "informed about", "aware of", or "knowledgeable about", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "enlightened about" and "educated about"?

"Enlightened about" often implies a more transformative or profound understanding, while "educated about" suggests a more formal learning process.

When is it most appropriate to use "enlightened about"?

It's best used when highlighting a shift in understanding or perspective, especially after exposure to new information or experiences. For instance, "The discussion left him enlightened about the challenges faced by marginalized communities".