was aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was aware" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone had knowledge or understanding of something in the past. Here are a few examples of how "was aware" could be used in a sentence: - "She was aware of the consequences of her actions, but she chose to do it anyway." - "I was not aware of the change in schedule, so I missed the meeting." - "He was keenly aware of the danger lurking in the shadows." - "The company was already aware of the issue and was working on a solution." - "The museum guide was not aware of the history behind the painting, but she still gave a great tour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was aware of that.

The New Yorker

Osama himself was aware of this development.

The New York Times

The subject was aware and cooperative".

The New York Times

"Nine years ago, I was aware".

The New York Times

I was aware that I was up.

Independent

She was aware of the danger.

The New Yorker

She was aware of your activities".

The New York Times

He was aware only of tumultuous feeling.

The New Yorker

Because no one was aware of them.

The New York Times

He was aware of picnic tables, benches.

The New Yorker

Fiona was aware suddenly of Jane.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was aware" to indicate a state of knowing or being conscious of something at a specific point in the past. This implies a level of understanding or perception beyond simply having information.

Common error

Avoid using "was aware" when the context requires a different tense, such as "is aware" (present) or "will be aware" (future). Ensure the tense aligns with the timeline of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was aware" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of knowing or being conscious of something in the past. Ludwig provides many examples showcasing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was aware" is a frequently used verb phrase indicating past knowledge or consciousness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse sources, most notably in News & Media. The phrase serves to convey that someone had knowledge or understanding, and its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts. When using "was aware", ensure the tense is correct and aligns with the context. Alternatives like "knew" or "was conscious of" can be used, but consider the specific nuances each conveys. The Ludwig examples provided offer valuable insights into the phrase's practical usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was conscious of

Similar to "was aware" but emphasizes a state of being fully present and mindful.

knew

Expresses a direct knowledge, often implying certainty, while "was aware" can suggest a broader or more nuanced understanding.

was cognizant of

A more formal synonym of "was aware", implying a deep or thorough understanding.

had knowledge of

More formal than "was aware", emphasizing the possession of information.

understood

Suggests a comprehension of something, rather than just being generally "aware".

realized

Implies a sudden understanding or awareness that was not present before.

had an understanding of

More detailed and explanatory than "was aware", focusing on the depth of comprehension.

was informed of

Focuses on the receipt of information, rather than an internal state of awareness.

was apprised of

A formal way of saying "was informed", suggesting official or specific notification.

noticed

Suggests a casual or observational awareness, often of something visual or easily perceived.

FAQs

How to use "was aware" in a sentence?

"Was aware" is used to express that someone had knowledge or understanding of something in the past. For example: "She "was aware" of the risks involved."

What can I say instead of "was aware"?

You can use alternatives like "knew", "was conscious of", or "realized" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "was aware" or "is aware"?

The correct choice depends on the timeframe. "Was aware" refers to a past state of knowing, while "is aware" refers to a present state of knowing. For example: "She "was aware" of the issue yesterday" vs. "She "is aware" of the issue now."

What's the difference between "was aware" and "was informed"?

"Was aware" suggests an internal state of understanding or perception, while "was informed" suggests receiving information from an external source. One can be "was informed" without truly being "was aware" if they don't understand the information's implications.