first became aware of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first became aware of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the moment or instance someone realized or noticed something for the first time. Example: "I first became aware of the issue during the team meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First became aware of Rory Bremner taking you off?

The Guardian - Sport

And also the time I first became aware of politics.

The Guardian - Arts

So that's when I first became aware of it.

The Guardian - Music

Scientists first became aware of the disease in 1995.

The New York Times

I first became aware of him through "Days of Heaven".

The New York Times

That was the moment when the nation first became aware of the term "Filner headlock".

The New York Times

Mr. Mammoser said he first became aware of allegations against Mr. Sasaki in the 1980s.

The New York Times

Smith first became aware of the Murray brothers when Andy was just five.

Independent

I first became aware of these ludicrous enforcement practices in May 2003.

The New York Times

Evans told jurors he first became aware of Mr McCaig when he called out "something insulting".

Independent

"The treatment of Sarah Palin is when I first became aware of this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first became aware of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject became aware of and when. For example: "I "first became aware of" the issue during the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "first became aware of" without specifying what triggered the awareness. A sentence like "He "first became aware of" it" lacks clarity. Always specify what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first became aware of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initial point at which someone gained knowledge or understanding about something. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first became aware of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the initial moment of realization or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is frequently found in news articles and academic writing, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To ensure clarity, always specify what the subject became aware of. Alternatives like "initially realized" or "first discovered" can be used for variety. By avoiding vague references and providing sufficient context, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially realized

Replaces "became aware" with a more concise verb.

first discovered

Emphasizes the act of finding something out for the first time.

initially noticed

Focuses on the act of observing something from the beginning.

became conscious of

Highlights the shift in awareness or understanding.

first recognized

Stresses the act of identifying or acknowledging something for the first time.

became cognizant of

Uses a more formal synonym for "aware".

first understood

Focuses on the initial comprehension of a concept or situation.

began to perceive

Emphasizes the gradual development of awareness.

was initially informed about

Highlights the act of receiving information that leads to awareness.

came to know initially

Indicates the beginning of knowledge or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "first became aware of" in a sentence?

Use "first became aware of" to describe the moment you initially learned about or noticed something. For instance, "I "first became aware of" the problem when I received the complaint."

What are some alternatives to "first became aware of"?

You can use alternatives like "initially realized", "first discovered", or "initially noticed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "first become aware of" instead of "first became aware of"?

While "become" is the base form, "became" is the past tense. Use "first became aware of" when describing a past event. The phrase "first become aware of" is less common, but may be correct in some grammatical constructions.

What's the difference between "first became aware of" and "suddenly became aware of"?

"First became aware of" indicates the initial point of awareness, while "suddenly became aware of" implies a rapid or unexpected realization. The phrase "suddenly became aware of" suggests a more immediate and possibly surprising discovery.