we became aware

USAGE SUMMARY

"we became aware" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the time when you began to notice or recognize something. For example, "We became aware of the size of the problem when we reviewed the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But then we became aware of our own language.

The New York Times - Arts

"As soon as we became aware of the error it was corrected.

The Guardian

After reading ref. 1 we became aware of a mistake in this Letter.

Nature

"We contacted Cancer Research UK as soon as we became aware of what was happening.

The Guardian

We were almost there when we became aware that the night was full of peeps.

The New York Times - Arts

"We became aware of this situation, the extent of it, only in around 2010.

The Guardian - Business

We became aware that a young waitress was standing by diffidently.

The New Yorker

We became aware... of different, more security-conscious estates around London.

The Guardian

While researching, we became aware that using Bitcoin could expose the RNLI to new audiences.

The Guardian

"The moment we became aware of the Cantor family we reached out to them".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What do we become aware of?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context following "we became aware" specifies exactly what was noticed or understood. For example: "We became aware of the potential risks involved."

Common error

Avoid using "we became aware" without a clear object. For instance, instead of saying "We became aware," specify what you became aware of. A sentence like "We became aware of the issue" is far more effective than simply saying "We became aware".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we became aware" functions as a marker of a shift in understanding or perception. It indicates the point at which a group or entity gained knowledge or recognition of something, as shown by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we became aware" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the point at which understanding or recognition of something occurred. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. As highlighted by the examples, this phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, signaling its adaptability across various registers. When using "we became aware", be sure to follow it with a clear statement of what was understood or realized to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we realized

Direct synonym focusing on the act of understanding.

we discovered

Suggests finding something previously unknown.

we noticed

Focuses on observing something, often visually.

we understood

Emphasizes comprehension and grasp of information.

we recognized

Highlights acknowledging something familiar.

we perceived

Implies using senses or intuition to gain awareness.

it came to our attention

More formal, indicating information was brought to awareness.

we learned

Highlights acquiring knowledge or skill.

we ascertained

Suggests finding something out after investigation.

we found out

Informal way to indicate gaining knowledge.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we became aware"?

You can use alternatives like "we realized", "we noticed", or "we discovered" depending on the context.

How do I use "we became aware" in a sentence?

The phrase "we became aware" is typically followed by "of" and the object of your awareness. For example, "We became aware of the problem" or "We became aware of the new regulations".

Is "we became aware" formal or informal?

"We became aware" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal and can be used in various contexts, including professional and academic writing.

What's the difference between "we became aware" and "we realized"?

While similar, "we became aware" often implies a gradual understanding, while "we realized" suggests a more sudden or immediate understanding.