grew aware of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew aware of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a gradual realization or understanding of something over time. Example: "As the project progressed, she grew aware of the challenges that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As soon as he grew aware of the emotion he was indulging, he suppressed it.

The New Yorker

I grew aware of being foreign myself, of being Northern Irish.

The New York Times

As he grew aware of the futility of his efforts, he gradually lost control of his thoughts.

The New Yorker

Utermohlen first grew aware of her unenviable gift when she could taste rubber from utensils used in her mother's cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At twenty-one, the writer in me was like a fly in the room — alive but insignificant, aimless, something that unsettled me whenever I grew aware of it, and which, for the most part, left me alone.

The New Yorker

It seems very pedestrian, but as I read this time, I grew aware of the wonderful game Defoe plays with time, and the powerful role of dark imagination in his hero's survival.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But "The Fortunes" is powerful as a chronicle of perpetual frustration, as each new generation grows aware of the arbitrary line between margin and mainstream.

The New Yorker

Thanks in no small part to home video Westerners are gradually growing aware of the oceanic depth and diversity of Japanese cinema.

The New York Times

Instead of seeing the new building as pure triumphalism, another "capital project" in a sinking city, I'd grown aware of a genuine exploratory current — a mixture of boldness and caution, strength and flexibility.

The New Yorker

After moving to Hong Kong in 2010 for college, Wilson Liu Yu, a native of the central Chinese city of Wuhan, had slowly grown aware of the disdain directed at him by some local residents.

The New York Times

Cloud said as audiences have grown aware of the different forms that magic takes – from visual tricks of levitation to more psychological mindreading – they have become more eager to see it happen before their own eyes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew aware of" to describe a gradual process of understanding or realization, especially when the awareness develops over time due to experience or exposure.

Common error

Avoid using "grew aware of" when you want to express a sudden realization. Opt for words like "realized" or "suddenly understood" instead, as "grew aware of" implies a gradual process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew aware of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual process of gaining knowledge or understanding. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing a progressive realization, aligning with Ludwig AI confirming its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grew aware of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for indicating a gradual understanding or realization, as affirmed by Ludwig. It’s most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the process of developing awareness over time. For situations requiring a sudden understanding, consider using alternatives such as "realized" or "became conscious of". While "grew aware of" is not the most frequent expression, it certainly adds a specific nuance to your writing. Examples from Ludwig emphasize its correct usage in a variety of contexts, ensuring clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became conscious of

Emphasizes a shift in consciousness rather than a gradual development of awareness.

realized

Suggests a sudden understanding or comprehension, differing from the gradual implication of "grew".

came to understand

Highlights the process of understanding rather than simply becoming aware.

began to notice

Focuses on the initial stage of observing or recognizing something.

gradually recognized

Stresses the gradual nature of recognition.

slowly grasped

Implies a more deliberate or effortful process of comprehension.

developed an understanding of

Focuses on the development of a deeper comprehension rather than initial awareness.

gained insight into

Suggests a deeper understanding or perception that goes beyond simple awareness.

perceived

Implies an awareness gained through the senses or intuition.

woke up to

Indicates a sudden realization, often after a period of unawareness or denial.

FAQs

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

Use "grew aware of" to describe a gradual understanding or realization. For example, "As the project progressed, she "grew aware of" the challenges involved".

What are some alternatives to "grew aware of"?

You can use alternatives like "became conscious of", "realized", or "came to understand" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "grow aware of"?

Yes, "grow aware of" is the infinitive form. "Grew aware of" is the past tense. Use "grow" for general statements or future scenarios, and "grew" for past events.

What's the difference between "grew aware of" and "grew conscious of"?

"Grew aware of" generally implies a broader understanding or knowledge, while "grew conscious of" suggests a heightened state of awareness or perception.