are familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are familiar with' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about a subject which is already known to you and the people you are speaking with or writing to. Example: We need to decide which book to read for class, but I think most of us are familiar with this author's work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Baseball fans are familiar with arbitration.

The New York Times - Sports

New Yorkers are familiar with such challenges.

The New York Times

New Yorkers are familiar with the pattern.

The New York Times

But living things are familiar with alcohols.

The Economist

The Colts are familiar with Collins.

The New York Times - Sports

American consumers are familiar with 3-D.

The New York Times - Tech

You are familiar with art history.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And so people are familiar with it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Not all surgeons are familiar with delirium.

Harvard University

Most people are familiar with acute inflammation.

Harvard University

Here, they are familiar with the pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of familiarity you want to convey. "Are acquainted with" suggests less knowledge than "are well-versed in". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the depth of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "are familiar with" when introducing a completely new concept to your audience. Instead, provide background information or use a different phrase like "will learn about" or "will be introduced to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are familiar with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of knowledge or experience regarding something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. The numerous examples confirm its active role in expressing familiarity across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are familiar with" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability in written English. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscore its widespread acceptance. Remember to consider the context and the desired level of formality when choosing this phrase and to avoid assuming too much prior knowledge from your audience. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "are familiar with" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are acquainted with

Indicates a basic level of knowledge or awareness, suggesting a less in-depth understanding than "are familiar with".

are conversant with

Suggests a more sophisticated and articulate understanding, implying the ability to discuss the topic intelligently.

have knowledge of

Focuses directly on the possession of information, without necessarily implying experience.

are aware of

Highlights the consciousness or recognition of something, rather than comprehensive expertise.

are well-versed in

Implies a comprehensive and thorough understanding, often acquired through study or experience.

are experienced in

Emphasizes practical involvement and skill developed over time, rather than theoretical knowledge.

have experience with

Similar to "are experienced in", but can also refer to a one-time or limited exposure.

are accustomed to

Indicates that something is normal or habitual, implying a sense of comfort and ease.

are no strangers to

Suggests that someone has encountered something before, implying resilience or adaptability.

are cognizant of

Highlights awareness and understanding, often in a formal or official context.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are familiar with" is used to indicate that someone has knowledge or experience of a particular thing. For example, "Most Americans "are familiar with generic drugs"".

What's the difference between "are familiar with" and "are aware of"?

"Are familiar with" implies a deeper understanding or experience, while "are aware of" simply means having knowledge of something's existence. You can be aware of a problem without being familiar with its causes.

What can I say instead of "are familiar with"?

You can use alternatives like "are acquainted with", "have knowledge of", or "are conversant with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are familiar with of"?

No, the correct usage is "are familiar with" followed directly by the subject or topic. The preposition "of" is not needed and would be grammatically incorrect.