they were unaware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were unaware" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone did not have knowledge or awareness of a particular situation or fact. Example: "Despite the warnings, they were unaware of the impending storm that was approaching their area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of this they were unaware.

The Guardian - Music

But advocacy groups said they were unaware of the case.

The New York Times

Atlético said they were unaware of any possible Fifa sanction.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, they were unaware of even my presence.

MIT Technology Review

Others said they were unaware they were doing anything wrong.

The New York Times

Others said they were unaware of the initiative.

The New York Times

Both said they were unaware of a criminal investigation.

The New York Times

They said they were unaware of a hijacking.

The Guardian

The police said they were unaware of any instigation.

The New York Times

They were unaware of any district policy," Drohanian said.

The Guardian

Afghan officials said they were unaware of the bombing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were unaware", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject was unaware of. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were unaware" without clearly specifying what they were unaware of. For example, instead of saying "They were unaware, and that was the problem", clarify with "They were unaware of the risks involved, and that was the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were unaware" functions as a statement indicating a lack of knowledge or consciousness about a particular fact, situation, or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were unaware" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a lack of knowledge or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, ranging from formal academic papers to journalistic reports. The most authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian use it frequently. Although subtle differences exist between this phrase and its alternatives – "they didn't realize", "they had no idea" – the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what the subject was unaware of.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they did not realize

Replaces "unaware" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of realization.

they were oblivious

Highlights a lack of awareness, often suggesting a disconnect from their surroundings.

they had no idea

Uses a more informal expression to indicate a complete lack of knowledge.

they hadn't noticed

Focuses on a lack of observation, implying that something was overlooked.

they were in the dark

A more idiomatic expression signifying a lack of information or awareness.

they were ignorant

Emphasizes a lack of knowledge, potentially implying a need for awareness.

they remained uninformed

Highlights that they were not given information about something.

it escaped their notice

A more formal way of saying they didn't notice something.

they weren't conscious

Indicates a lack of awareness, suggesting a deeper state of unawareness.

they misapprehended the situation

Suggests a misunderstanding due to a lack of full awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "they were unaware" in a sentence?

Use "they were unaware" to indicate a lack of knowledge or realization about something. For example, "The hikers "they were unaware" of the potential for flash floods in the canyon."

What's the difference between "they were unaware" and "they were oblivious"?

While both phrases suggest a lack of awareness, "they were unaware" is more neutral. "They were oblivious" often implies a greater disconnect or inattentiveness to the situation.

Is it correct to say "they was unaware" instead of "they were unaware"?

No, "they was unaware" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were unaware", as "were" is the plural form of the verb "to be" and should be used with the plural pronoun "they".

What can I say instead of "they were unaware"?

You can use alternatives like "they didn't realize", "they had no idea", or "they were ignorant depending" on the context.