scarcely be aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely be aware" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has very little awareness or knowledge about something. Example: "Despite the loud commotion outside, she seemed to scarcely be aware of the chaos unfolding around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From the conventional histories, for example, one would scarcely be aware that most buildings erected up to the 1930s were designed in a range of Classical and traditional styles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the quiet Bulgarian, sometimes so laid back you scarcely are aware of him, was gesticulating with his arms wide apart, demanding the ball back.

The New York Times - Sports

Since late March, she'd been in a trance of self-absorption that was like a narcotic to her — in fact, to get through the worst of her insomniac nights Hadley had had to take sleeping pills, which left her dazed and groggy throughout the day — and she'd scarcely been aware of Anton Kruppev except as a helpful and persistent presence, a worker who seemed always to be waiting on her.

The New Yorker

Its survey indicated that out of a hundred people using insecticide aerosols and sprays scarcely fifteen are aware that there are any warnings at all on the containers.

The New Yorker

Moreover there are many truths which - although it is vital to be aware of them - this method often scarcely mentions, since they are transparently clear to anyone who gives them his attention.

SEP

Be aware.

WikiHow

Be aware and make your child aware.

WikiHow

It could scarcely be starker.

The New Yorker

The setting could scarcely be more scenic.

Independent

Siamese twins could scarcely be more connected.

The New Yorker

The timing could scarcely be worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scarcely be aware" to emphasize a minimal level of awareness, especially when contrasting it with a presumed or expected level of knowledge. This phrase is useful for highlighting ignorance or lack of attention to a specific detail or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely be aware" when a stronger term like "unaware" or "oblivious" is more appropriate. "Scarcely be aware" implies some minimal level of awareness, while "unaware" suggests a complete lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely be aware" functions as a verb phrase indicating a minimal level of awareness or consciousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate. Examples show it used to express a lack of recognition or understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scarcely be aware" denotes a minimal level of awareness or consciousness, indicating that someone has very little or almost no perception of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It's commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, Encyclopedias and Science sources. When writing, use "scarcely be aware" to highlight a lack of attention or understanding, but avoid using it when a stronger term like "unaware" is more fitting. Alternatives include "hardly conscious", "barely notice", and "dimly aware". In summary, this phrase is a useful tool for expressing a limited understanding or perception of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly be conscious

Focuses on the level of consciousness rather than awareness.

barely notice

Emphasizes a lack of noticing something.

be dimly aware

Highlights a vague or unclear awareness.

be faintly conscious

Similar to dimly aware, but emphasizes the weakness of the consciousness.

not be fully cognizant

Uses more formal language to express a lack of full knowledge.

be vaguely aware

Indicates an imprecise awareness.

be nearly oblivious

Stresses a state close to being unaware.

scarcely notice

Focuses on noticing instead of awareness.

be almost ignorant of

Highlights a lack of knowledge.

be marginally aware

Indicates a very small degree of awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely be aware" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcely be aware" to indicate a minimal level of awareness, as in "Despite the loud music, he seemed to "scarcely be aware" of his surroundings."

What can I say instead of "scarcely be aware"?

Alternatives include "hardly conscious", "barely notice", or "dimly aware", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "scarcely be aware" or "scarcely aware"?

"Scarcely be aware" and "scarcely aware" can both be correct depending on the sentence structure. "Scarcely be aware" is often used when followed by "of" something. For example, “He could "scarcely be aware" of the danger.”

What's the difference between "scarcely be aware" and "unaware"?

"Scarcely be aware" implies a minimal level of awareness, while "unaware" suggests a complete lack of awareness. The former indicates a slight perception, the latter, none.