we became aware that

USAGE SUMMARY

"we became aware that" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase suggests that something was realized or understood due to a certain event or situation. For example: We became aware that there had been an error in the accounts when we received the audit report.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian

Without this important screening test, it may have been months before we became aware that all was not well.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Coleman said "as soon as we became aware that there were stranded passengers, we dispatched Port Authority Police to evacuate them from the trains".

The New York Times

But shortly after we became aware that the government was denying visas to foreign journalists and filmmakers who wanted to cover this issue.

The New York Times

Social media 'weaknesses' We took the decision to withdraw our Facebook advertising as soon as we became aware that our adverts were appearing alongside unacceptable content.

The Guardian

While making a follow-up Panorama in 2010, we became aware that some of our interviewees had met the FBI previously.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over the weekend, we became aware that some faculty members, in the interest of fostering a constructive climate for discussion, included language in class syllabi that has been interpreted as abridging students' free speech rights.

Independent

Asked by inquiry counsel Robert Jay QC whether this posed a risk to the paper, Wright replied: "Our action dated from the point at which we became aware that Whittamore was going to be prosecuted.

The Guardian

"As soon as we became aware that Mr. Gonzalez was also working with criminals and getting them information, we immediately took action," said Mark Sullivan, director of the Secret Service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we became aware that" to introduce a piece of information that your team or organization has recently learned or realized. This phrase is suitable for formal reports, announcements, and professional communications.

Common error

While "we became aware that" is acceptable, consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "we became aware that the project was delayed", you could say "we discovered the project was delayed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we became aware that" functions as a sentence introducer, typically followed by a clause that presents new information or a realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to present a piece of information that was not previously known or understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we became aware that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase suitable for introducing new information or realizations, particularly in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most commonly in news articles and scientific publications. For more concise alternatives, consider using "we realized that" or "we discovered that". While generally appropriate, be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider whether an active construction may be more impactful. When used correctly, "we became aware that" effectively communicates the acquisition of knowledge or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we realized that

This alternative directly replaces "became aware" with "realized", emphasizing the moment of understanding.

we understood that

This option shifts the focus slightly to comprehension rather than simply being informed.

we discovered that

This implies finding out something previously unknown or hidden.

we noticed that

This suggests observing something that may not have been immediately obvious.

we learned that

This indicates gaining knowledge or information about something.

it came to our attention that

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing that the information was brought to their attention.

we found out that

This suggests uncovering information through investigation or chance.

we perceived that

This implies a more intuitive or insightful understanding.

we ascertained that

A more formal way of saying that we made certain of something after an inquiry.

we recognized that

This implies acknowledging or accepting something as true or valid.

FAQs

How can I use "we became aware that" in a sentence?

"We became aware that" is used to introduce new information or a realization. For instance, "We became aware that the deadline had been extended" or "We became aware that additional funding was needed".

What is a more concise alternative to "we became aware that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we realized that", "we learned that", or "we discovered that" for a more concise phrasing.

Is it appropriate to use "we became aware that" in formal writing?

Yes, "we became aware that" is suitable for formal writing, especially in reports, business communications, and academic papers. It conveys information in a professional and clear manner.

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

"We became aware that" implies a process of learning or realizing something. In contrast, "we were aware that" suggests prior knowledge. For example, "We became aware that the system had a flaw after the audit" versus "We were aware that the system had a flaw but thought it had been corrected".