au courant

USAGE SUMMARY

"au courant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to mean "up to date" or "current" and is often used in formal or sophisticated contexts. Examples: 1. The professor was known for being au courant in the field of quantum physics. 2. As a fashion blogger, she always made sure to stay au courant with the latest trends. 3. The company prided itself on being au courant with new technologies and innovations. 4. The politician's speech highlighted his au courant knowledge of current affairs. 5. In order to be successful in the fast-paced world of business, one must always be au courant with industry developments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She is au courant.

The Guardian

They are au courant.

The New York Times - Sports

Michael's not au courant.

The New York Times

Mellower, younger, more au courant.

The New York Times - Arts

But candidates are au courant.

The New York Times

He was wise, cordial, and au courant.

The New Yorker

They decide what's funny, what's au courant.

The New Yorker

There's always an au courant, comfortable shoe.

The New York Times - Style

Not that the Explorers Club is itself entirely au courant.

The New York Times

Who said the United States Postal Service isn't au courant?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Winged Foot had other celebrities, far more au courant than this pair of crusty old Scots.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "au courant", ensure the context clearly indicates what it's current with – e.g., "au courant" with fashion trends, political developments, or technological advancements.

Common error

Avoid using "au courant" in very informal settings or when speaking with an audience unfamiliar with French loanwords. Simpler alternatives like "up to date" or "informed" may be more appropriate and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "au courant" functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are up-to-date or informed about the latest developments. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's often used in formal contexts to suggest a sophisticated understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "au courant" is a useful phrase when aiming for a tone of sophistication and indicating something is thoroughly up-to-date. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for formal and professional contexts. While "au courant" is less common than simpler alternatives like "up to date", mastering its use demonstrates a strong command of language. Be mindful of your audience and avoid overuse in informal settings. The examples provided by Ludwig show that it is most frequently found in News & Media sources, academic writing, and business communications, reflecting its formal register. By following the best practices and avoiding common errors, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "au courant" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to date

More common and less formal alternative.

au fait

A synonym that is similarly French-derived, suggesting familiarity and understanding.

abreast of the times

Emphasizes keeping up with the changes of the current era.

informed

Focuses on having knowledge of current events.

well-informed

Highlights the depth of knowledge about current affairs.

knowledgeable

Stresses expertise and awareness of current trends.

in the know

Informal phrase indicating access to current information.

with it

Informal term for being current and understanding trends.

up on things

A more casual way of saying someone is knowledgeable about current events.

conversant

Implies a level of familiarity and ease in discussing current topics.

FAQs

How can I use "au courant" in a sentence?

You can use "au courant" to describe someone or something that is up-to-date with the latest information or trends. For example, "She is very "au courant" with the latest fashion trends" or "The company strives to stay "au courant" with technological advancements".

What is a simpler way to say "au courant"?

Alternatives to "au courant" include "up to date", "informed", "abreast of", or "current". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "au courant" formal or informal?

"Au courant" is generally considered a more formal phrase. While not excessively stilted, it's more likely to appear in sophisticated or professional contexts. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

Which is more common: "au courant" or "up to date"?

Up to date is much more common in everyday usage than "au courant". "Au courant" can add a touch of sophistication but might not be as widely understood.