oblivious to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "oblivious to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is unaware of or does not notice something happening around them. Example: "She was oblivious to the fact that everyone was staring at her during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was oblivious to it.

Independent

Washingtonians are oblivious to genetics.

The New Yorker

I'm completely oblivious to it".

Independent

They're oblivious to that.

The New York Times

"He was not oblivious to struggle.

The New York Times

Consumers aren't oblivious to all fees.

The New York Times

Yeats was oblivious to that too.

Independent

Mr. Chen seemed oblivious to it all.

The New York Times

I was completely oblivious to this.

The New Yorker

He is oblivious to obstacles.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm really oblivious to it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oblivious to" to depict a character's innocence or naiveté. It can reveal their lack of experience or insight, adding depth to their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "oblivious to" with overly general subjects. For instance, saying "They are oblivious" lacks a specific object of their unawareness. Instead, clarify what they are oblivious to for a clearer and more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oblivious to" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of awareness or perception. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples demonstrate how it describes someone's state of being unaware of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "oblivious to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a lack of awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, conveying that someone is not conscious or perceptive of something happening around them. While "oblivious to" enjoys frequent usage in news and media, it's essential to use it with specific subjects to maintain clarity. Related phrases like "unaware of" or "ignorant of" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Ultimately, understanding the subtle differences enhances the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaware of

Focuses on a lack of knowledge or consciousness regarding something.

unmindful of

Emphasizes a lack of attention or consideration for something.

ignorant of

Highlights a lack of information or understanding about something.

clueless about

Suggests a complete lack of understanding or awareness, often in a humorous way.

incognizant of

A more formal way of saying unaware, implying a lack of recognition.

deaf to

Implies a refusal to listen or acknowledge something, often criticism or pleas.

blind to

Suggests a willful ignorance or inability to see something obvious.

insensitive to

Focuses on a lack of emotional awareness or understanding of someone else's feelings.

impervious to

Highlights an inability to be affected by something, often criticism or danger.

unconcerned about

Emphasizes a lack of worry or interest in something.

FAQs

How can I use "oblivious to" in a sentence?

You can use "oblivious to" to describe someone who is unaware of something happening around them. For example: "He was "oblivious to" the danger surrounding him".

What's a good alternative to "oblivious to"?

Alternatives to "oblivious to" include phrases like "unaware of", "ignorant of", or "clueless about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "oblivious of" or "oblivious to"?

"Oblivious to" is the more common and accepted usage. While "oblivious of" might be encountered, "oblivious to" is generally preferred in modern English.

What is the difference between "oblivious to" and "insensitive to"?

"Oblivious to" implies a lack of awareness or knowledge, while "insensitive to" suggests a lack of feeling or concern. You're oblivious to a fact, but insensitive to someone's feelings.