are conversant with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are conversant with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is knowledgeable or familiar with a particular subject or topic. Example: "The candidates we are considering for this position are conversant with the latest industry trends and technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Dating from 1977, they are conversant with Postminimalism and Process art but feel, somehow, more private.

The New York Times - Arts

If you are conversant with the New York art world, you will recognize the artist Rirkrit Tiravanija and Gavin Brown, Ms. Peyton's dealer.

The New York Times - Arts

George Packer, who recently wrote for The New Yorker about young Tunisian jihadis, found that many educated young people there are conversant with Western culture and informed on American politics.

The New Yorker

IN a hot summer, energy providers on Long Island and others who are conversant with the national and international energy picture are in a cold sweat about powering the regional economy at prices that people and businesses can afford.

The New York Times

Far fewer of us are conversant with Haydn's militant overture, the wonderful martial accompaniments to Rinaldo's first aria, or the Armida-Rinaldo duet that ends Act I. Like Beethoven, Haydn can make acute musical sense out of personal confrontation, and he is perhaps even superior in his evocations of birds, forests and other natural phenomena.

The New York Times - Arts

Few in Europe are conversant with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and many might take alarm at the prospect of anything resembling the biennial Africa Cup of Nations, which tends to be maligned for extracting big-name players from their clubs at a critical time in the season.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

You should, however, be conversant with modern American art history.

The New York Times - Arts

He was conversant with Chinese culture, at least up to a point.

The New York Times - Arts

"You also have to be conversant with the new media world.

The New York Times

They would nevertheless have been conversant with Puck's mocking, shape-changing, potion-spreading ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The quintessential 19th-century English gentleman-scholar, Talbot was conversant with science, mathematics, botany, linguistics and the classics.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are conversant with", ensure the subject truly possesses a strong understanding and ability to discuss the topic, not just a passing familiarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are conversant with" if the subject only has a basic understanding. Opt for phrases like "are familiar with" or "have heard of" to accurately reflect their level of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are conversant with" functions as an adjective phrase describing a subject's state of being knowledgeable or familiar with a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a good level of understanding and ability to discuss the subject. Many examples show its use in describing someone's professional or academic understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are conversant with" is a useful phrase for indicating that someone possesses a strong understanding and ability to discuss a particular subject. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While often interchangeable with alternatives such as "are familiar with" or "are knowledgeable about", it is important to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the subject's level of expertise. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are familiar with

Indicates a general awareness or acquaintance, slightly broader than "are conversant with".

are well-versed in

Suggests a high level of expertise, similar to "are conversant with" but more emphatic.

are proficient in

Suggests a high degree of competence, similar to "are conversant with" but more formal and specific.

are knowledgeable about

Focuses on possessing knowledge, differing slightly from the active engagement suggested by "are conversant with".

are acquainted with

Implies a more personal or direct experience, differing from the expertise suggested by "are conversant with".

are au fait with

A more formal and less common way of saying "are familiar with", carrying a similar meaning to "are conversant with".

have knowledge of

Focuses on possessing information, which is a component of being conversant, but lacks the implication of practical understanding.

are up-to-date on

Highlights currency of knowledge, a specific aspect of being conversant, rather than overall understanding.

are informed about

Emphasizes the reception of information rather than the ability to use it, unlike "are conversant with".

are skilled in

Implies proficiency and practical ability, which is a specific type of being conversant, especially in practical fields.

FAQs

How can I use "are conversant with" in a sentence?

You can use "are conversant with" to indicate someone's familiarity and knowledge of a particular subject. For example, "The new employees "are conversant with" the company's policies and procedures."

What's a simpler way to say "are conversant with"?

Alternatives to "are conversant with" include "are familiar with", "are acquainted with", or "are knowledgeable about", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are conversant with" or "are familiar with"?

"Are conversant with" implies a deeper understanding and ability to discuss a topic, while "are familiar with" suggests a general awareness. Choose the phrase that best reflects the level of knowledge.

Can "are conversant with" be used for skills as well as knowledge?

Yes, "are conversant with" can be used for both knowledge and skills. For example, "The developers "are conversant with" multiple programming languages."