have been aware

USAGE SUMMARY

"have been aware" is an acceptable phrase that is commonly used in written English.
Example: The scientists have been aware of this phenomenon for many years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sounded as though he might have been aware of the Carney note.

Los Angeles Times

She may have been aware of this.

The New Yorker

Bidders would have been aware that other casts are available.

The New York Times - Arts

They may not have been aware of the magnitude.

The Guardian - Sport

"The public should have been aware of it".

The New York Times

Pure must have been aware of this known difficulty.

The Guardian - Money

He may not have been aware of this distinction himself.

The New York Times

But the pilot should have been aware of the fault.

The Guardian

"People have been aware of what he has been through.

The New York Times - Sports

The prime minister may already have been aware of that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have been aware of this hostage for some time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "have been aware", ensure that the context clearly indicates the timeframe and the source of the awareness. This provides clarity and strengthens the validity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "have been aware" when the evidence for awareness is circumstantial or speculative. Instead, consider using softer phrasing such as "may have been aware" or "likely were aware" to reflect the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been aware" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the present perfect continuous tense. It indicates a state of knowing or understanding that began in the past and continues into the present. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been aware" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating a state of knowing that began in the past and continues to the present. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage. It's versatile, fitting neutral registers across contexts like news, science, and business. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly defines the timeframe and source of awareness, and avoid overstating certainty when the evidence is limited. By considering related phrases and common errors, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been conscious of

Focuses more on the state of being actively aware or mindful.

have been cognizant of

Implies a formal or intellectual awareness, suggesting a deeper understanding.

have been mindful of

Emphasizes being attentive and considerate of something.

have been informed about

Highlights the act of receiving information, leading to awareness.

have been apprised of

Suggests a formal and official notification of something.

have been familiar with

Indicates a general understanding or acquaintance with something.

have been alerted to

Implies that one's attention has been drawn to something specific.

have been sensible of

Emphasizes a perception based on feelings or senses.

have been no stranger to

Expresses that someone is accustomed to or has experience with something.

have kept abreast of

Focuses on continuously staying informed about recent developments.

FAQs

What does "have been aware" mean?

The phrase "have been aware" indicates a state of knowing or being conscious of something over a period of time. It implies that the knowledge or understanding has existed for some duration.

What are some alternatives to "have been aware"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have been conscious of", "have been cognizant of", or "have been mindful of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "have been aware" in a sentence?

You can use "have been aware" to indicate that someone or something has possessed knowledge or understanding of a particular fact, situation, or issue. For example: "The company executives have been aware of the security breach for several weeks."

What's the difference between "have been aware" and "are aware"?

"Have been aware" implies a state of knowing that started in the past and continues to the present, while "are aware" refers to a current state of knowing. For example, "They have been aware of the risks" suggests they knew in the past and still do, while "They are aware of the risks" only speaks to their current knowledge.