we were aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we were aware' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe something that the speaker and/or listener was aware of. For example, "We were aware that the project deadline was quickly approaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were aware," he said.

The New York Times

"We were aware of the significance.

The Guardian

We were aware of that going in".

The New York Times

"We were aware of his reputation that way".

The New York Times

"We were aware of his condition," said Holloway.

The Guardian

"We were aware of the interest last week," Lennon said.

The Guardian - Sport

We were aware it was Iraqi airspace, after all.

The Washington Post

"We were aware of his involvement in this tour company.

The Guardian - Sport

As soon as we were aware we took him off".

The Guardian - Sport

We were aware that care leavers were being left unsupported.

The Guardian

Once we were aware of that then we were aware that we had a story that we had to tell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were aware" to indicate a state of knowing or understanding something, particularly when emphasizing that this knowledge influenced a decision or action. For instance: "We were aware of the risks, but we proceeded anyway."

Common error

Avoid using "we were aware" excessively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "we knew", "we recognized", or "we understood" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your text from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were aware" functions as a statement of knowledge or consciousness. It indicates that the speaker and others shared an understanding or cognizance of a particular fact, situation, or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were aware" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate knowledge or understanding of a particular situation or fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "we knew" or "we understood" for better writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we knew

Replaces "aware" with a more direct synonym, implying certainty of knowledge.

we were conscious of

Emphasizes a state of being aware or mindful of something.

we recognized

Highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

we understood

Focuses on having a clear comprehension of the situation or information.

we took note of

Indicates that attention was paid to something.

we were informed of

Suggests receiving information from an external source.

it came to our attention

Implies that the information was brought to their awareness.

we had knowledge of

Emphasizes the possession of information or facts.

we were apprised of

Suggests a formal or official communication of information.

we were conversant with

Highlights familiarity and understanding, suggesting a detailed knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "we were aware" in a sentence?

Use "we were aware" to indicate that you and/or others had knowledge or understanding of a particular fact or situation. For example, "We were aware of the potential problems, but we decided to move forward anyway."

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

You can use alternatives like "we knew", "we understood", or "we recognized" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "we were aware" or "we knew"?

"We were aware" is generally considered more formal than "we knew". The best choice depends on the context and your intended audience.

What's the difference between "we were aware of" and "we were familiar with"?

"We were aware of" implies a basic understanding or knowledge of something, while "we were familiar with" suggests a deeper, more intimate understanding or experience.