an intimate acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intimate acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a close or personal relationship with someone, often implying familiarity and trust. Example: "After years of working together, we became more than colleagues; we developed an intimate acquaintance that allowed us to share our thoughts openly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Vintage whisky gone, son develops an intimate acquaintance with Cif.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As children and adolescents, we have an intimate acquaintance with evil.

The Guardian - Books

Although he had little formal schooling, he developed an intimate acquaintance with postmodernist art-making materials early in life.

The New York Times

Of course, fear has been an intimate acquaintance of nearly everyone in the subway at one time or another.

The New York Times

He developed an intimate acquaintance with malaria, dysentery, torrential rains, and, above all, with the staggering diversity of the rain forest.

The New Yorker

The architectural historian Larry Millett included the Kacmarcik house in his magisterial "AIA Guide to the Twin Cities," but he also possesses an intimate acquaintance with Breuer's blockhouse brutalism.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

When the 345 students returned to classes today, many arrived with an unusually intimate acquaintance with the disaster's details, said Jay Tullos, principal of the one school in the Douglass district.

The New York Times

And just as important, Mr. Labrenz said, the piece offers the museumgoer a more intimate acquaintance with the Whitney.

The New York Times - Arts

I had three children under the age of three, and a very intimate acquaintance with the nighttime.

The New Yorker

QUESTION FROM CAROLINE: Re: O'Connor quote: Do you believe we should all invite a continual intimate acquaintance with our mortality to be "good" people?

The New Yorker

He may not have been the commercial equal of Dame Agatha, with sales as paltry as half a billion copies, yet he outdid her in industry — he produced more than four hundred novels, to her sixty-six — and in pretty much everything else, displaying a frighteningly intimate acquaintance with mortal weakness for which she could only grope.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an intimate acquaintance", ensure the context clarifies the nature of the closeness. Is it based on shared experiences, deep understanding, or prolonged interaction?

Common error

Avoid using "an intimate acquaintance" when describing casual or superficial relationships. This phrase implies a significant level of familiarity and closeness that may not be appropriate for every situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intimate acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing a level of familiarity or closeness with someone or something. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Books

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intimate acquaintance" is a noun phrase used to describe a close and familiar relationship with someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and sees common usage, particularly in News & Media, Books and Science. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context aligns with the implied level of closeness and understanding. Be mindful not to overstate the intimacy when describing more casual relationships. Consider alternatives such as "a close relationship" or "a deep familiarity" if a lesser degree of closeness is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close relationship

Focuses on the closeness of the bond, rather than familiarity with the person.

a deep familiarity

Emphasizes profound understanding and knowledge.

a personal connection

Highlights a direct and individual link between people.

a close familiarity

Similar to deep familiarity but places greater emphasis on close proximity and interaction.

a profound understanding

Focuses on comprehensive knowledge and perception.

an established rapport

Stresses a harmonious and understanding connection.

a strong bond

Emphasizes the strength and resilience of the connection.

a developed kinship

Indicates a sense of shared identity or familial connection.

a warm friendship

Highlights affection and closeness in the relationship.

a cultivated understanding

Indicates that the understanding has been grown or developed over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intimate acquaintance" to describe a close, personal relationship developed through shared experiences or prolonged interaction. For example, "After working together for years, they developed an intimate acquaintance."

What are some alternatives to "an intimate acquaintance"?

You can use alternatives like "a close relationship", "a deep familiarity", or "a personal connection" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an intimate acquaintance with" or "of"?

The correct phrasing is "an intimate acquaintance with". For example, "He developed an intimate acquaintance with the subject matter."

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

"An intimate acquaintance" suggests a close and personal relationship, while "a casual acquaintance" implies a superficial or distant connection. The former involves deep familiarity and trust, whereas the latter is often limited to brief interactions or shared social circles.