was enlightened about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was enlightened about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone gaining knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or situation. Example: "After the seminar, she was enlightened about the latest developments in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At a family meeting over the dinner table in Oslo when she was 12 and old enough to keep a secret, she says she was enlightened about her father's real profession: C.I.A. operative.

The New York Times

The world was enlightened about who is winning largely by seeing who got to stand closer to Hu in the official lineup photo at the conclusion of the congress.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a discussion that was enlightening about every other aspect of his life and work, Cashman talked about the fame and attention that came with his high-profile work, something he said he never actively sought.

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't want to be enlightened about the Enlightenment.

Forbes

They claim to be enlightened about women but fail to demonstrate those ethics in practice.

The Guardian - Books

We're supposed to recognize our world and maybe ourselves in it, not necessarily be enlightened about anything.

The New York Times

"You could have the debate all day long about whether people are enlightened about whether carbon dioxide should be sequestered," he said.

The New York Times

He expressed the hope that through the development program, young workers would be enlightened about the money they could be making in union jobs.

The New York Times

Sports fans have been enlightened about official corruption (such as that surrounding the successful bid by Salt Lake City, Utah, to host the 2002 Winter Olympics), performance-enhancing drugs, and off-field violence committed by athletes and fans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are enlightened about their nefarious wheelings and dealings by a buff young prepster named Henry Alan Simpsonn), who's been hard at work compiling a record of their sins on the Internet.

The New York Times - Arts

Add the collection of 35 craftsmen's tools from the 17th to the 19th century, amassed by Fiorenzo Cesati of Milan and his son Alessandro and few would question the supremacy of Tefaf as the place to be enlightened about the making of art.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was enlightened about" when you want to emphasize a significant gain in understanding, especially when the new knowledge changes someone's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "was enlightened about" for simple information transfer. This phrase suggests a deeper, more transformative understanding, so it's inappropriate for everyday updates or routine facts. For example, instead of saying "I was enlightened about the weather forecast", use "I was informed about the weather forecast."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was enlightened about" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a subject received significant new knowledge or understanding. It emphasizes the impact of the information received, leading to a change in perspective, similar to examples found on Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was enlightened about" is a useful tool for expressing a significant increase in knowledge or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, yet its best use is in situations where newfound knowledge has a transformative effect. Alternatives such as "was informed about" or "became aware of" may be more appropriate for simpler information transfer. While versatile, reserving "was enlightened about" for scenarios where genuine enlightenment occurs will enhance clarity and impact, and the usage is considered to be uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was informed of

This alternative is a more direct and common way of saying that information was received.

was made aware of

This is a passive construction that emphasizes the act of informing.

learned about

A simpler and more general way of saying that knowledge was acquired.

gained insight into

This alternative emphasizes the gaining of a deeper understanding.

became aware of

This alternative focuses on the gaining of awareness rather than the concept of enlightenment.

received clarification on

This alternative focuses on receiving a clearer explanation of something.

was apprised of

A more formal alternative indicating that someone was officially informed.

came to understand

Highlights the process of achieving comprehension.

discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something out for oneself.

had light shed on

This alternative uses a more figurative expression.

FAQs

What does "was enlightened about" mean?

The phrase "was enlightened about" means that someone gained significant knowledge or understanding about a particular subject, often leading to a change in perspective or awareness.

How can I use "was enlightened about" in a sentence?

You can use "was enlightened about" to indicate that someone has gained a new, often profound, understanding. For instance, "After the lecture, I "was enlightened about" the complexities of quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "was enlightened about"?

Some alternatives include "was informed about", "became aware of", or "gained insight into", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was enlightened about" in formal writing?

Yes, "was enlightened about" is appropriate for formal writing, but it should be used when the context genuinely involves a significant increase in understanding or awareness. If the information is simple or routine, a less emphatic phrase like "was informed about" might be more suitable.