we were aware of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were aware of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you had knowledge or understanding of something in the past. Example: "We were aware of the challenges ahead and prepared accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"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 of his involvement in this tour company.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't misunderstand; we were aware of the dangers.

The New York Times

He thought the rough was a little inconsistent, which we were aware of.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were aware of Laurie but Bob Paisley, the manager, never really bothered with that.

The Guardian - Sport

Regarding Birbraer, Lamoriello said: "We were aware of everything about him.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Leverkusen game was very important and I did not feel we were aware of that.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were aware of" to indicate a state of knowing or being informed about something, often implying a responsibility or readiness related to that knowledge. For instance: "We were aware of the risks involved and took necessary precautions."

Common error

Avoid using "we were aware of" to state obvious or irrelevant information. For example, saying "We were aware of the sky being blue" adds no value. Ensure that the awareness you express is relevant and meaningful to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were aware of" functions as a statement of prior knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a state of being informed about something. Examples show it used in contexts where knowledge influences actions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were aware of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express prior knowledge or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to justify actions, explain decisions, or demonstrate preparedness. While it's a versatile phrase, avoid using it with obvious or irrelevant information. Alternatives like "we knew about" or "we understood" can offer simpler ways to convey the same meaning. Remembering these guidelines will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we knew about

Uses a more direct verb ("knew") instead of "were aware of", simplifying the language.

we were conscious of

Emphasizes a state of being consciously aware, suggesting a higher level of attention.

we were mindful of

Highlights active consideration or attentiveness to something.

we had knowledge of

Formal and emphasizes possession of information.

we were informed about

Implies that the knowledge was received from an external source.

we understood

Focuses on comprehension and understanding of a situation or fact.

we recognized

Stresses the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

it was known to us

Passive voice construction, shifting focus from the actor to the information itself.

we took note of

Highlights that you paid attention to something.

we were privy to

Indicates access to private or secret information.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "we were aware of"?

You can use phrases like "we knew about", or "we understood", depending on the context.

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

Use "we were aware of" to indicate that you had knowledge or understanding of something. For example: "We were aware of the potential delays and planned accordingly."

Is there a more formal alternative to "we were aware of"?

Yes, you could use "we were cognizant of" or "we were mindful of" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "we were aware of" and "we found out about"?

"We were aware of" implies prior knowledge, while "we found out about" suggests discovering something new. For example, "We were aware of the problem beforehand" versus "We found out about the issue during the meeting".