simply be aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply be aware" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to advise someone to have a general understanding or consciousness of a situation or fact. Example: "As you navigate this project, simply be aware of the deadlines and requirements set by the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But these are the least serious, which warn people to simply "be aware".

The Guardian

Letting go of everything you're doing, letting go of everything you need to do, simply be aware of everything going on, right now, in this moment".

The New York Times

However, if thoughts occur or their minds wonder, they are told to accept this and simply be aware of what they are thinking of.

The Guardian

2) Simply be aware of your breath as you exhale.

Huffington Post

"We're not saying evolution is good or bad, but simply be aware of what the theory has to say".

Huffington Post

Adolescents may simply be aware of (and responsive to) the political or social climate in which these questions were posed.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Professor Larson says simply being aware of the phenomenon may be enough to help most shoppers overcome it.

The New York Times

Dagher believes that simply being aware of the way the brain works could help people overcome the urge to buy junk food when they are hungry.

The Guardian

Philip Bump, one of the jurors, said he believed that lucidity meant "being lucid enough in the moment to actually understand the instrument," and not just simply being aware.

The New York Times

But court cases would bog down, said David S. Ruder, a former S.E.C. chairman now teaching law at Northwestern University, when the commission's lawyers argued that simply being aware of important information while trading should make an insider culpable.

The New York Times

Coulthard, who is currently an F1 commentator, said driving on country roads took more than simply being aware of the basic Highway Code.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply be aware" to introduce a necessary consideration or caution, suggesting that understanding the point is enough to influence behavior or decisions. For example, "When driving, "simply be aware" of the speed limit."

Common error

Avoid using "simply be aware" as a way to passively acknowledge a problem without suggesting a solution or action. While awareness is the first step, ensure it leads to proactive measures or a deeper understanding. If additional steps can be taken it's better to suggest action instead of just awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply be aware" primarily functions as an advisory phrase, urging the listener or reader to maintain consciousness or acknowledgement of a particular situation, fact, or consideration. As Ludwig highlights, it suggests a general understanding is sufficient to influence behavior or decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

The Guardian - Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simply be aware" is a common and versatile expression used to encourage mindfulness and acknowledgement of a situation or fact. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and functions primarily as an advisory phrase, aiming to provide context or set expectations. While its register is generally neutral, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news articles and academic papers to wikis and blogs, as shown by Ludwig. Keep in mind that while "simply be aware" promotes consciousness, it's most effective when coupled with actions or solutions, as emphasized in Ludwig's writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just be conscious of

Replaces 'aware' with 'conscious', emphasizing a state of active knowing.

merely take note of

Uses 'take note' instead of 'be aware', focusing on the act of noticing something.

only pay attention to

Substitutes 'be aware' with 'pay attention', highlighting the focus of one's attention.

just keep in mind

Replaces 'simply be aware' with a more conversational idiom, emphasizing remembering something.

bear in mind

This is a common idiom for remembering something.

be mindful of

Emphasizes being thoughtful and attentive to something.

remain cognizant of

Uses more formal language, 'cognizant', to convey awareness.

keep an eye on

Emphasizes vigilance and watching for something.

be alert to

Highlights a state of readiness and attentiveness.

just recognize

Focuses on the act of acknowledging or identifying something.

FAQs

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

You can use "simply be aware" to advise someone to have a general understanding or consciousness of a situation or fact. For example, "As you navigate this project, "simply be aware" of the deadlines and requirements set by the client."

What phrases are similar to "simply be aware"?

Similar phrases include "just be conscious of", "merely take note of", or "only pay attention to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "simply be aware" or "just be aware"?

Both "simply be aware" and "just be aware" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "simply be aware" and "be mindful of"?

"Simply be aware" suggests a basic acknowledgment of something, while "be mindful of" implies a more thoughtful and attentive consideration. "Be mindful of" often carries a stronger emphasis on taking action based on that awareness.