Learn English – The difference between ” I was not aware” and ” I did not know”

grammar

May anyone please tell me which one of the following statement is correct

  1. I wasn't even aware it's his birthday today.

  2. I didn't know it's his birthday today.

Best Answer

Both statements are correct. The only question is whether one is more appropriate in the circumstances.

If a friend said to you in a surprised tone:

Didn't you get your coach anything for his birthday today?

You might well reply:

I wasn't even aware (that) it's his birthday today.

suggesting that there was no reason why you should have been aware and that it hadn't been brought to your attention.

It would also be correct to say:

I didn't know (that) it's his birthday today.

The concepts of awareness and knowledge overlap. The former is more often used to bring something to someone's attention, especially when giving a warning.

Are you aware that parking meters have been installed?

Are you aware that taxes are due by the end of the week.

The latter is more often used in the context of learning, memory and experience.

The Stackexchange reference given by olegst above gives you a more academic explanation of their origins.

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