were well aware

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were well aware" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is knowledgeable about a particular issue or situation. For example: "The scientists were well aware of the hazards associated with their research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many were well aware that the banks were troubled.

The New York Times

Sloan Kettering's other leaders were well aware of these relationships.

The New York Times

The fans were well aware of what was at stake.

The New York Times - Sports

"We were well aware that they weren't the ideal allies".

The New York Times

"The Iraqis were well aware and informed of events in Iran," Saanei said.

The Washington Post

Unlike the Americans, they were well aware of Khomeini's threats of vengeance.

The Guardian

The candidates were well aware of this uncertainty in the electorate.

The New York Times

Right from the audition process, we were well aware of what we were getting into.

The Guardian

Most were well aware that their days of betting there could be near an end.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As practitioners, we were well aware that metadata carries costs, and that human judgment is expensive.

Cornell University

The cousins, all Astal family members, were well aware of the risks, their relatives said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific term might be more appropriate. While "were well aware" is generally applicable, terms like "were cognizant of" or "were informed about" might add nuance.

Common error

Don't assume that because someone "were well aware" of a problem, they necessarily took action to address it. Clearly state the actions taken (or not taken) separately to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were well aware" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of knowing or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express that someone had prior knowledge. The examples demonstrate its role in conveying that individuals or groups possessed a clear understanding of situations or potential consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were well aware" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that someone possessed prior knowledge or understanding of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. As the examples show, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, but also finds use in scientific and formal business settings. It's important to remember that while "were well aware" indicates knowledge, it doesn't necessarily imply action. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "were cognizant of" or "were fully conscious of" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were fully conscious of

Emphasizes a complete and thorough understanding of the situation.

were keenly cognizant of

Highlights a sharp and perceptive awareness.

were thoroughly informed about

Focuses on having received detailed information.

were perfectly familiar with

Suggests an intimate knowledge and understanding.

were completely apprised of

Implies formal notification and understanding.

were alive to

Indicates a sensitivity and responsiveness to a particular issue.

knew perfectly well

Emphasizes certainty and a lack of doubt.

were no strangers to

Suggests familiarity through repeated experience.

were mindful of

Highlights consideration and attention to something.

understood completely

Focuses on having a full grasp of the situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were well aware" indicates prior knowledge or understanding. For example, "The scientists "were well aware" of the risks involved in the experiment" shows the scientists knew the risks beforehand.

What's a formal alternative to "were well aware"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "were fully conscious of" or "were cognizant of" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it redundant to say "were very well aware"?

While "were well aware" already implies a significant level of knowledge, using "very" isn't grammatically incorrect but can sound slightly redundant. Consider if the emphasis is truly necessary or if "were well aware" suffices.

What is the difference between "were aware" and "were well aware"?

"Were aware" simply indicates knowledge of something, while "were well aware" suggests a deeper or more thorough understanding. The addition of "well" emphasizes the extent and clarity of their knowledge.