to be aware of

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be aware of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when saying or writing about being conscious or knowledgeable about something. Example: It is important to be aware of the potential dangers before embarking on a hiking trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Another caveat to be aware of is "swamping".

Journal of Cheminformatics

They have to be aware of that.

The New York Times - Sports

Trustees need to be aware of this".

The Guardian

Consumers are expected to be aware of older terrorism titles.

The New York Times

"You just have to be aware of the opportunities".

The New York Times

Gordon seems to be aware of where everybody is, too.

The New York Times - Sports

It's good to be aware of this difference of opinion".

The Guardian - Sport

Either way you have to be aware of their opinion.

The Guardian

She taught us to be aware of them.

The New Yorker

It's hard not to be aware of Fortitude (Sky Atlantic).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I don't like to be aware of it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to be aware of", ensure that the object of awareness is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Be aware", specify "Be aware of the potential risks involved."

Common error

Avoid using "be aware" without specifying what one should be aware of. This can leave your audience confused. Instead of a general warning, clearly state the specific issue or potential problem, which will make your communication more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be aware of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of knowing or being conscious of something. It commonly introduces information that the speaker or writer deems important for the audience to consider. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be aware of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey knowledge, understanding, or consciousness of something. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently employed across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. Its usage spans from formal to neutral registers, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. Alternatives such as ""to be conscious of"" and ""to be mindful of"" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to specify what one should be aware of. Remembering these nuances will refine and strengthen your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be conscious of

Emphasizes a state of being awake and responsive to something; slightly more formal.

to be cognizant of

Highlights intellectual awareness and understanding; more formal.

to be informed about

Focuses on receiving and possessing information; less about internal understanding.

to be mindful of

Stresses the importance of remembering or paying attention to something.

to take note of

Implies a deliberate act of noticing and recording something.

to keep in mind

Focuses on retaining information for future consideration.

to recognize

Highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

to understand

Focuses on grasping the meaning or significance of something.

to appreciate

Implies a deeper understanding and valuing of something.

to be sensitive to

Highlights the ability to perceive and respond to subtle cues or changes.

FAQs

How can I use "to be aware of" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be aware of" is used to indicate consciousness or knowledge about something. For example, "It's important "to be aware of" the signs of a scam".

What's the difference between "to be aware of" and "to be conscious of"?

While both phrases relate to knowledge, "to be aware of" often implies a more general understanding, whereas "to be conscious of" suggests a more deliberate or focused attention. You might "to be aware of" the weather forecast but "to be conscious of" your breathing during meditation.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be mindful of", "to be informed about", or "to take note of".

Is it better to say "to be aware of" or "to become aware of"?

"To be aware of" describes a current state of knowledge, while "to become aware of" describes the process of gaining knowledge. Use "to become aware of" when emphasizing the transition from ignorance to understanding. For example, “Initially, she was not aware of the issue, but she quickly "to become aware of" it”.