painfully aware that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painfully aware that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or intense awareness of something, often with a sense of discomfort or distress. Example: "She was painfully aware that her decision would have lasting consequences on her family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although he dressed neatly, he was painfully aware that his clothes were cut-rate.

The New York Times

Kya Law is painfully aware that the next opium harvest will be his last.

The Economist

Most women are painfully aware that past a certain age it is harder to conceive.

Independent

Above all, McCain is painfully aware that he is being diminished by his own campaign.

The New York Times

At 31 and taking Foundation 1, however, he said he was painfully aware that "everyone else was 18".

The New York Times - Arts

As the inverted commas suggest, Dunham is painfully aware that she is still very much a work in progress.

Independent

First, investors in Alibaba are now painfully aware that it is exposed to China's arbitrary and politicised regulatory system.

The Economist

The FBI will be painfully aware that authentically solitary attackers, though they exist, are the exception rather than the rule.

The Guardian

But it also meant spending my teens at war with my body, painfully aware that I'd already lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Painfully aware that the fifties pictures might be dismissed as merely decorative, Rothko began around 1957 to darken his palette.

The New Yorker

All three seem painfully aware that voters in the region continue to distinguish between national Democrats and Southern Democrats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "painfully aware that" to express a strong awareness of something unpleasant or undesirable. It adds emphasis and emotional weight to your statement.

Common error

While "painfully aware that" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing where a more neutral expression like "acutely aware that" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painfully aware that" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a subject by indicating a heightened, often unpleasant, state of awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, offering emphasis and emotional weight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "painfully aware that" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to express a strong and often unpleasant awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the numerous examples demonstrate its prevalence in news and media, as well as a more occasional use in science. While versatile, writers should consider the emotional weight it carries and avoid overuse in overly formal contexts where a more neutral alternative might be more appropriate. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey not just knowledge, but also the emotional impact of that knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acutely conscious that

Emphasizes a sharp and immediate awareness, similar to "painfully aware that" but potentially less negative in connotation.

keenly cognizant that

Highlights a strong and informed understanding, suggesting a thoughtful awareness.

intensely mindful that

Stresses a deep and focused awareness, often implying a deliberate consideration of something.

deeply conscious that

Suggests a profound and heartfelt awareness, emphasizing the emotional impact of the realization.

fully cognizant that

Implies a complete and comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the thoroughness of the awareness.

sharply aware that

Highlights a sudden and clear realization, suggesting a quick and perceptive understanding.

vividly aware that

Emphasizes a clear and detailed awareness, often recalling a specific memory or experience.

terribly aware that

Indicates a strong awareness accompanied by fear or anxiety, amplifying the negative aspect.

sadly aware that

Expresses an awareness tinged with sorrow or regret, focusing on the emotional impact.

woefully aware that

Indicates a regrettable or unfortunate awareness, emphasizing the negative consequences.

FAQs

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

Use "painfully aware that" to express a strong, often negative, awareness of something. For example, "He was "painfully aware that" his decision had lasting consequences."

What's a less intense alternative to "painfully aware that"?

Alternatives like "acutely aware that" or "keenly aware that" convey a similar meaning but with less emphasis on the negative aspect.

Is "painfully aware of" grammatically correct?

Yes, but "painfully aware that" is more commonly used when followed by a clause. "Painfully aware of" is suitable when followed by a noun or gerund phrase.

When is it inappropriate to use "painfully aware that"?

Avoid using "painfully aware that" in overly formal or positive contexts where a more neutral or appreciative tone is desired. In such cases, "fully aware that" or "well aware that" might be better choices.