Expression: 'Be in the know'

[Tamara]

Hi

Could you give a 'distinctive' rule or some examples (sentences) to clarify the difference between
be in the know and be aware?
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[moniker]

Be in the know means to be well informed. (It's about the news or information).
be aware means "to know" "to be cognizant", "mindful", "conscious".

[Alan]

Hi Tamara,

Your two expressions:

be in the know and be aware

both indicate having a knowledge of something. If you are in the know, this often suggests you have prior knowledge of something. If you are aware, this often suggests you know what is happening around you.

As in:

As she was in the know, she was able to take advantage of the special discount available for people over 50.

I was aware of somebody following me in the street but I couldn't see anyone clearly.

A
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[Tamara]

[Alan]

Hi,

Yes, that's the idea but 'prior' actually suggests 'beforehand' 'in advance'.

A
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English as a Foreign Language
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