initially aware that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initially aware that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of awareness that existed at the beginning of a situation or event. Example: "She was initially aware that the project would require more resources than anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The officer said he drew the gun for "my own safety and everybody else's," and that he was not initially aware that the driver was Strawberry.

The New York Times - Sports

Harding said the firm acted as promptly as it could because it was not initially aware that a hack was taking place.

The Guardian - Business

However, it is not clear if either Ahmad or the Yankees were initially aware that the M.R.I. showed a tear in the left hip, since Rodriguez, when he went to the hospital, was complaining of pain in his surgically repaired right hip.

The New York Times - Sports

Though she was not initially aware that the role would involve singing, Amoia was part of the "This Little Light of Mine" group number.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We used all the 146 articles that we were initially aware of to describe measles outbreaks in population displaced by disasters.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

There may be complicated elements of its care and feeding that you weren't initially aware of, which often makes the difference between suitable and not suitable.

WikiHow

He also said he was not initially aware of her use of the private email server.

The Guardian

Be aware that like attracts like.

WikiHow

Jeremy Freyer, the opposing squad's goalkeeper in that match, said he initially was not aware that one of the N.B.A.'s biggest stars was in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

One official said, however, that the agency had not initially been made aware that the anthrax particles in the Daschle letter were small enough to have escaped a sealed envelope.

The New York Times

Scotland Yard said counter-terrorism officers had initially been made aware that the two 17-year-old boys had gone missing and were believed to be travelling to Syria.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "initially aware that", ensure the context clearly indicates a change in awareness or understanding over time. This highlights the contrast between the initial state and subsequent knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "initially aware that" if there is no subsequent change in awareness. If the awareness remains constant, simply use "aware that" or "knew that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initially aware that" functions as a connector introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the object of awareness at the beginning of a situation. It sets the stage for a subsequent change or development in understanding, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initially aware that" is used to denote the starting point of one's understanding, with the implication that awareness may evolve or change over time. While Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that a contrast exists between the initial awareness and a subsequent realization or understanding. Related alternatives include "first realized that" and "originally understood that", which offer similar meanings while varying the phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first realized that

Replaces "aware" with "realized" and "initially" with "first", emphasizing the moment of understanding.

originally understood that

Substitutes "aware" with "understood" and "initially" with "originally", focusing on the primary understanding.

at first conscious that

Uses "conscious" in place of "aware" and "at first" to replace initially, highlighting the beginning of consciousness.

not previously informed that

Expresses lack of prior knowledge, changing the sentence structure to negative.

unbeknownst at first that

Uses an adverbial phrase to indicate a lack of initial awareness.

unaware at the beginning that

Specifies "unaware" instead of "aware" and clarifies the timeframe with "at the beginning".

didn't know at first that

Uses a simpler, more direct expression of not knowing at the start.

only later discovered that

Shifts the focus to the discovery of information at a later time.

subsequently found out that

Highlights the finding out of information after a certain period.

became cognizant of only after

Introduces a more formal term "cognizant" and changes the structure to emphasize the timing.

FAQs

How can I use "initially aware that" in a sentence?

You can use "initially aware that" to describe a situation where someone's understanding changes over time. For example, "The company was "initially aware that" the project was behind schedule, but they didn't realize the extent of the delays until later."

What's a good alternative to "initially aware that"?

Alternatives include "first realized that", "originally understood that", or "at first conscious that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "initially aware that"?

It's not necessarily redundant, but it's important to ensure the "initially" adds value. If there is no contrasting later state of awareness, using just "aware that" might be more concise.

What's the difference between "initially aware that" and "later realized that"?

"Initially aware that" describes the starting point of someone's understanding, while "later realized that" describes a subsequent change in that understanding. They highlight different points in time.