to be conscious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be conscious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing awareness, perception, or the state of being awake and aware of one's surroundings or thoughts. Example: "In order to make informed decisions, it is essential to be conscious of the various factors at play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And therefore, we have to be conscious about what you do as human beings.

Cornell University

What does it mean to be conscious?

The Economist

He appears to be conscious and breathing.

The Guardian

You need to be conscious of time.

The New York Times - Magazine

What is it to be conscious?

The Guardian

To be conscious at all is to be conscious of time.

The New York Times

Do you need a brain to be conscious?

Yale University

That animal would seem to be conscious and intelligent.

The New York Times

"We have to be conscious of what's at stake.

The New York Times - Sports

"The people are really starting to be conscious," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What would it mean to be conscious without being a first person-to be conscious in the absence of a self?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "to be conscious" to ensure your audience understands the importance of intentionality and attention to detail in the task at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "conscious" when you mean "conscience". "Conscious" refers to awareness, while "conscience" refers to a sense of morality and ethical principles. For example, say "I need to be conscious of my environmental impact", not "I need to conscience of my environmental impact."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be conscious" functions as an infinitive phrase that often acts as a complement to a verb or adjective. Ludwig AI shows that it expresses a state of awareness, perception, or intentionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be conscious" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express awareness, perception, or intentionality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Academia. When writing, ensure you're using "conscious" to mean awareness, not confusing it with "conscience". Alternatives like "to be aware" or "to be mindful" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. The phrase's widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be aware

Focuses more directly on the state of knowing or perceiving something.

to be mindful

Emphasizes paying attention to the present moment and one's thoughts and feelings.

to be cognizant

Highlights having knowledge or being aware of something, often with a formal tone.

to be sensible

Implies an awareness of and responsiveness to what is happening around you.

to be heedful

Suggests paying careful attention and taking notice.

to be alert

Emphasizes being watchful and quick to notice things.

to pay attention

Focuses on the act of directing one's focus towards something.

to take note

Highlights making a mental record of something important.

to be observant

Implies being skilled at noticing details.

to be intentional

Shifts the focus to acting with purpose and awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "to be conscious" in a sentence?

You can use "to be conscious" to describe a state of awareness or intentionality. For example, "It's important "to be conscious" of your surroundings when walking alone at night".

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

While both phrases relate to knowledge and perception, "to be conscious" often implies a broader state of awareness, while "to be aware" can refer to specific pieces of information. Using "to be conscious" suggests a more fundamental state of knowing and perceiving.

Which is correct, "to be conscious of" or "to be conscious about"?

Both "to be conscious of" and "to be conscious about" are grammatically acceptable, but "to be conscious of" is generally more common and often preferred. Using "of" suggests a general awareness, while "about" can sometimes imply concern or worry.

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

You can use alternatives like "to be aware", "to be mindful", or "to be cognizant" depending on the context.