an acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who you know, but who is not necessarily a close friend. For example, "I met an acquaintance at the grocery store yesterday".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not even an acquaintance?

The New Yorker

He said the woman was an acquaintance.

The New York Times

President Clinton was an acquaintance of mine.

The New York Times

It was an acquaintance of Montazeri's.

The New Yorker

(James Joyce, an acquaintance, depicted him in "Ulysses").

The New York Times - Travel

"I just treat her like an acquaintance".

The New York Times

Asked why by an acquaintance, she replied, "no reason".

The New York Times

A private vehicle that belonged to an acquaintance later arrived.

The New York Times

A suspect, an acquaintance of the victim, was arrested Thursday.

The New York Times

She told an acquaintance, Phil Schaap, about the Eldridge items.

The New York Times

"I AM a Florentine," declares an acquaintance of your correspondent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "an acquaintance" to refer to someone you know but not closely. It implies a less intimate relationship than a friend but more than a stranger.

Common error

Avoid using "an acquaintance" when describing someone with whom you share a close bond or frequent interactions. The term implies a superficial connection, so using it for a friend can misrepresent the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a determiner and a noun. It identifies an individual known to the speaker but not considered a close friend. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a common expression used to describe a person you know casually.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an acquaintance" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe someone known casually. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is widely employed in various contexts, primarily in news, media and scientific publications. It serves to distinguish a person from close friends and strangers, defining a specific level of social connection. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the relationship's depth and avoid substituting it for terms that imply a closer bond. Alternatives such as "a casual contact" or "a nodding acquaintance" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively communicate the nature of your relationships in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing acquaintance

Focuses on the brief and transient nature of the relationship.

a casual contact

Focuses on the limited interaction and superficial connection.

a known associate

Highlights the association between individuals, implying a recognized connection.

a person one knows

A more descriptive and less formal way of expressing the relationship.

a nodding acquaintance

Emphasizes a minimal, often visual, recognition between people.

a familiar face

Highlights recognition based on appearance rather than a deeper relationship.

a business contact

Specifies the context of the relationship as professional or commercial.

a social contact

Suggests the connection is primarily within social settings.

a distant connection

Emphasizes the remote or tenuous nature of the relationship.

a work colleague

Defines relationship based on workplace environment.

FAQs

How can I use "an acquaintance" in a sentence?

Use "an acquaintance" to describe someone you know casually. For example, "I ran into "an acquaintance" at the grocery store today".

What's the difference between "an acquaintance" and a friend?

"An acquaintance" refers to someone you know but don't have a close relationship with. A friend is someone with whom you share a deeper bond and more frequent interactions.

What are some synonyms for "an acquaintance"?

Alternatives to "an acquaintance" include "a casual contact", "a known associate", or "a nodding acquaintance", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to ask "an acquaintance" for a favor?

Asking "an acquaintance" for a favor can be appropriate, but consider the nature of the favor and the level of your relationship. Avoid asking for significant or overly personal favors from someone you don't know well.