we were all aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were all aware" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people had knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact. Example: "Before the meeting started, we were all aware of the changes in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

We were all aware that this was a complete break from the past.

The Guardian - Arts

Of course, we were all aware of the dangers Bettina could have met in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

On Strictly Come Dancing we were all aware of how we looked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were all aware of the journey of this film and this great, iconic character.

The Guardian - Film

"I honestly believe," she begins, "that if we were all aware, we would all be compelled to act".

The Guardian - Opinion

We were all aware of the importance and objectives of the World Cup, of which the team performance was one.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

We are all aware of that.

Harvard Business Review

Defense, as we are all aware, is tough.

The New York Times

We're all aware I need to be managed properly.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're all aware gold continues to be a problem.

The Guardian

"We are all aware how good Dimitar is," said Vidic.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were all aware", consider the nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "we all knew" might be more direct, while "we were all conscious of" can add a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "we were all aware" when referring to an individual's knowledge. This phrase is specifically for shared understanding within a group. For an individual, use "I was aware" or "he/she was aware".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were all aware" functions as a statement of shared knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate that a group of individuals possessed the same information or perception regarding a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were all aware" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signals a shared understanding within a group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to establish common ground and transparency. While its register is generally neutral, its suitability for formal contexts can depend on the specific audience. When aiming for different nuances, consider alternatives like "we all knew" or "we were all conscious of". Remember, this phrase is best reserved for situations where a collective understanding is genuinely implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we all knew

Replaces "aware" with the more direct synonym "knew", simplifying the phrase.

we all understood

Replaces "aware" with "understood", focusing on comprehension rather than just awareness.

we were all conscious of

Substitutes "aware" with "conscious of", adding a slightly more formal tone.

we were all cognizant of

Uses "cognizant" in place of "aware", resulting in a more formal and sophisticated tone.

we were all informed

Indicates that the awareness came from being told or notified, shifting the focus to the source of knowledge.

we were all mindful of

Replaces "aware" with "mindful", suggesting a deliberate attention to something.

it was common knowledge among us

Expresses shared awareness as something generally known within the group, changing the structure significantly.

we were all familiar with

Suggests a prior or existing knowledge, changing the meaning slightly.

the group was aware

Changes the phrasing to specify "the group" to emphasize a collective rather than individual sense of awareness.

everyone was in the know

Uses an idiom to indicate that everyone possessed inside information or awareness.

FAQs

What does "we were all aware" mean?

The phrase "we were all aware" indicates that a group of people shared knowledge or understanding about a particular fact, situation, or circumstance.

What can I say instead of "we were all aware"?

You can use alternatives like "we all knew", "we were all conscious of", or "everyone was informed" depending on the context.

Is "we were all aware of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we were all aware of" is grammatically correct. The "of" is necessary when "aware" is followed by a specific object or situation.

How formal is the phrase "we were all aware"?

The phrase "we were all aware" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in a variety of contexts, from informal discussions to more formal reports. However, alternatives like "we were all cognizant of" may be more appropriate for highly formal settings.