a reasonable familiarity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable familiarity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a level of knowledge or understanding that is adequate or acceptable for a particular context or task. Example: "To succeed in this role, you should have a reasonable familiarity with the software we use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So, with a working knowledge of the very trashiest tabloids, a bookmarking of TimeandDate.com, and a reasonable familiarity with prenatal development, we've pinpointed dates-and ginned up countdowns-for Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Simpson, Penelope Cruz, and Jenna Dewan-Tatum.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ford has a drive-and-kick style that makes him a reasonable stand-in for Parker, and that familiarity has already given him great chemistry with the Spurs' role players.

The New York Times

A reasonable question.

The New Yorker

seems a reasonable estimate.

The New York Times

A reasonable landlord.

The New York Times

— a reasonable goal.

The New York Times

"A reasonable price," he added.

The New York Times

I had a reasonable career.

The Guardian

That was a reasonable observation.

The New York Times - Sports

What was a reasonable time?

The Guardian

First, establish a reasonable budget.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable familiarity", ensure the context clarifies what constitutes 'reasonable' in that particular situation. Be specific about the scope of knowledge expected.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable familiarity" when a deep understanding is actually required. This phrase suggests a level of knowledge that is adequate but not necessarily comprehensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable familiarity" functions as a noun phrase, where 'reasonable' modifies the noun 'familiarity'. It describes a level of understanding or knowledge that is considered adequate or acceptable for a given purpose. As noted by Ludwig, it suggests an adequate grasp of a topic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a reasonable familiarity" is used to describe a level of knowledge or understanding that is adequate for a particular purpose or task. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in English writing, although not frequently used. It often appears in news media, suggesting an expected level of competence without implying deep expertise. When using this phrase, it's crucial to define what constitutes 'reasonable' within the specific context, ensuring clarity about the expected scope of knowledge. Alternatives such as "a basic understanding" or "a working knowledge" may be suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sufficient understanding

Highlights the adequacy of the knowledge for a specific purpose.

a working knowledge

Emphasizes the practical application of knowledge.

a basic understanding

Focuses on the foundational level of knowledge, implying a simpler grasp.

a good grasp

Suggests a firm and confident understanding.

a comfortable level of knowledge

Focuses on the ease and confidence in using the knowledge.

an adequate acquaintance

Implies a less in-depth knowledge, more of an introductory level.

a moderate expertise

Suggests some skill and experience beyond basic understanding.

a fair command

Indicates a noticeable degree of control and understanding.

a decent background

Emphasizes the preparation and foundational knowledge.

a functional literacy

Highlights the ability to use knowledge for practical tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable familiarity" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable familiarity" to describe a level of understanding that is adequate for a particular task or situation. For example: "To effectively troubleshoot basic computer issues, a user needs "a reasonable familiarity" with the operating system."

What's a good alternative to "a reasonable familiarity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a basic understanding", "a working knowledge", or "a sufficient understanding".

Is "a reasonable familiarity" formal or informal?

"A reasonable familiarity" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for professional and academic contexts but might sound overly verbose in casual conversation.

How does "a reasonable familiarity" differ from "expert knowledge"?

"A reasonable familiarity" implies an adequate, but not necessarily in-depth, understanding. "Expert knowledge", on the other hand, suggests a comprehensive and highly skilled understanding of a subject.