without being aware

USAGE SUMMARY

"without being aware" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that happened, but the person or thing involved was not aware of the circumstances surrounding the situation. For example: She walked away without being aware of the consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Imagine beginning chemotherapy without being aware of the side effects.

Stanford University

Without being aware of it, women have joined P.& G.

The New York Times

Sometimes students translate without being aware of it.

The Guardian

Without being aware of, these routines are ported into many script languages.

Harvard University

"Well, you can't grow up in Manchester without being aware of them," she says.

The Guardian

I've never gotten around to being with somebody without being aware of them".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's also possible to spend hours in the mosque without being aware of the cathedral.

The New York Times - Travel

It is impossible to visit the city these days without being aware of its literary heritage.

The Guardian - Books

Epileptic or hysterical patients, and hypnotic subjects, will engage in complex behaviors without being aware of them upon regaining consciousness.

University of California, Berkeley

On the other hand even adults can be influenced by television without being aware of that influence.

Cornell University

The global-workspace theory rests on the fact that it is possible to see something without being aware of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "without being aware" with a specific detail or outcome to emphasize the consequences of unawareness. For example: "He walked into the meeting late, without being aware that the CEO was present."

Common error

Avoid using "without being aware" in overly complex or convoluted sentences where the passive voice obscures the subject. Ensure clarity by keeping the subject of the sentence clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without being aware" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a lack of conscious knowledge during an event. For example, "People who have it stop breathing frequently at night, waking up briefly, often without being aware of it."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without being aware" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a lack of conscious knowledge or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal academic writing to informal news reports, highlighting its versatility. The examples provided showcase how the phrase adds nuance by emphasizing unintentional actions or unrecognized influences. Remember to maintain clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without knowing

Simple and direct way of expressing a lack of knowledge.

without realizing

Focuses on the absence of realization during an action.

unwittingly

Emphasizes the lack of intention or awareness in an action.

unconsciously

Indicates an action performed without conscious thought or intention.

unbeknownst to

Highlights that the subject is not informed or cognizant.

oblivious to

Highlights a lack of awareness, often suggesting a failure to notice something important.

in ignorance of

Stresses the lack of knowledge about something.

unmindful of

Suggests a lack of attention or consideration.

unheeding of

Implies ignoring or not paying attention to something.

imperceptive of

Emphasizes a lack of sensitivity or ability to perceive something.

FAQs

How can I use "without being aware" in a sentence?

You can use "without being aware" to describe someone doing something without conscious knowledge of it. For example: "She was breaking copyright law, "without being aware of it"".

What's a good alternative to "without being aware"?

Alternatives include "unwittingly", "unbeknownst to", or "without realizing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "without being aware of it"?

Sometimes, the "of it" can be implied, but including "of it" can add emphasis or clarity, especially when the 'it' refers to a previously mentioned situation or consequence.

What is the difference between "without being aware" and "unconsciously"?

"Without being aware" focuses on a lack of knowledge about a situation, while "unconsciously" refers to actions performed without conscious thought or intention. They are similar but not always interchangeable.