Quick answer by GrammarGramps: Yes, the word “aware” is an adjective because it describes a state of knowledge or consciousness in relation to a noun, such as a person.
“Aware” is almost never placed before a noun, so you would not normally say “an aware person” in standard usage, making it a predicative-only adjective.
The adverb form of “aware” is “awarely,” though it is seldom used in modern English. The more common adverb form is “consciously” or “knowingly.” The noun form of “aware” is “awareness.”
Read more about all of this in more detail in the guide below.
Special Introduction by GrammarGramps
In this short guide, we’re simply covering the word “aware” and what grammatical category it falls in. It is an adjective, but some people may confuse it for either a verb or even an adverb.
We’re going to clear that confusion up and also provide some examples to demonstrate the use of this word in sentences.
If you haven’t already, check out the detailed guide on adjectives by GrammarGramps before proceeding so that you have all the basics clear.
Is “Aware” an Adjective or Verb?
The word “aware” is an adjective. It doesn’t belong to any other part of speech, like verbs or adverbs. There are some words that fall into multiple categories at the same time, since they can be used in different contexts. However, the word “aware” is not one of those.
The confusion around “aware” often comes from the fact that it frequently appears in phrases like “I am aware” or “she became aware,” where it sits close to a verb. But in these instances, the word “aware” describes the condition/attribute of the subject. That makes it an adjective.
(Learn about verbs and adverbs in detail with the guides published here on GrammarGramps.)
Examples of the Word “Aware” in Sentences
Here are some sentences in which the word “aware” is clearly used as an adjective.
- She was fully aware of the risks before she signed.
- He became aware of the noise only after it stopped.
- Are you aware that the meeting was rescheduled?
- The driver wasn’t aware of the road closure ahead.
- They were aware of each other’s presence the whole time.
What is the Noun Form of “Aware”?
The noun form of the word aware is awareness.
It is an abstract noun as it names an intangible state of knowledge or perception that a person might possess.
If you want to learn more about what a noun or abstract noun is, check out our guide on nouns and their types.
What are the Comparative and Superlative Forms of “Aware”?
The comparative form of “aware” is more aware, and the superlative form is most aware.
“Aware” follows the same pattern as other multi-syllable adjectives and does not attach -er or -est to the end.
Here are both forms used in a sentence:
- She became more aware of her surroundings as the night went on.
- He was the most aware person in the room during the crisis.
It is important to remember that “aware” is not an absolute adjective, which some people find confusing. Unlike absolute adjectives, “aware” has fully functional comparative and superlative forms.
Is “Aware” a Predicative-Only Adjective?
Yes, “aware” is almost exclusively used as a predicative adjective.
Unlike most adjectives, “aware” does not comfortably sit before the noun it describes. This makes it somewhat unusual compared to words like “happy” or “careful,” which can appear in both positions.
A predicative adjective follows a linking verb such as is, was, or became, and describes the subject of the sentence. For example:
- She was aware of the danger.
An attributive adjective, on the other hand, appears directly before the noun. This is where “aware” tends to sound unnatural. Saying “an aware student,” for example, would be awkward and incorrect.
In almost all cases, “aware” belongs after the verb, not before the noun.
Word Profile: Aware
Here is a word profile for “aware” that comprehensively describes the meaning, part of speech classification, pronunciation, synonyms, and antonyms.
| Word | Aware |
|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Adjective |
| Pronunciation | /əˈweər/ |
| Meaning | Having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact |
| Synonyms | Conscious, informed, mindful |
| Antonyms | Unaware, oblivious, ignorant |
Related, Helpful Resources on GrammarGramps
There are various helpful resources that you can find on GrammarGramps that are related to other specific words and their classification in grammar. Here are some that you can check out:
- What Part of Speech is “Alive”?
- Is “Afraid” an Adjective?
- What Part of Speech is “Beautiful”?
- Is “Good” an Adjective?
There is also a detailed list of adjectives that we’ve published here on GrammarGramps that you can check out if you’re looking to improve your vocabulary. The list is comprehensive, and contains more than 100 different adjectives with their meanings and types.
You can also visit the grammar glossary by GrammarGramps to view comprehensive definitions of grammar terms that we’ve referenced in this guide, including verbs, adverbs, nouns, and pronouns.
