Unaware-Unawares | Commonly Confused Words
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Unaware vs. Unawares

Unaware

/ˌʌnəˈweə/
Not knowing or realizing something is happening or exists

Examples:

She was unaware of the approaching deadline.The hikers were unaware of the dangerous weather conditions.Many were unaware that the exhibit was free to visit.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Unawares

Being not aware or prepared for something; taken by surprise

Examples:

She was caught unawares by the sudden downpour.The crisis hit the company unawares, disrupting plans.Taken unawares, he spilled his drink in surprise.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Unaware is an adjective, while unawares is an adverb.
  • Typically, unaware modifies nouns, such as in he was unaware of the situation.
  • Unawares often comes after a verb to indicate how someone was caught or taken, as in he was caught unawares.
  • Remember unaware as lacking awareness, while unawares implies by surprise.
  • In terms of usage, unaware fits with descriptive sentences, whereas unawares fits with narrative or event-related contexts.
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