au fait with

USAGE SUMMARY

"au fait with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression which means "familiar or knowledgeable about." For example: "She was au fait with all the changes to the company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Graduates are very au fait with answering competency-based questions.

The Guardian

(Which makes you sound totally au fait with French discourses on art and representation).

The Guardian

THE EYEBALL GUY!" shouts one onlooker, au fait with the festival mascot from years previous.

The Guardian - Music

"The detail of what happened last week, I'm not too au fait with.

The Guardian - Sport

I am not au fait with drugs and drink only on social occasions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet he was also au fait with French impressionism and friends with Monet.

The Guardian

They are au fait with psychology, television, "cosmic atoms" and rejuvenating hormones.

Independent

Those not au fait with frog noises or howling are challenged to push their boundaries.

The Guardian

Wallace only loves cheese because I wasn't au fait with scriptwriting as a student.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Is that all you do?" she inquires repeatedly, like a mum not au fait with nightlife.

The Guardian - Music

Every one who wants to stay au fait with the news, listens to Today.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "au fait with" to indicate a strong familiarity or understanding, especially when the subject matter is technical or specialized.

Common error

Avoid using "au fait with" in extremely informal contexts; while generally acceptable, simpler alternatives like "familiar with" might be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "au fait with" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate familiarity or knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. For example, "Graduates are very "au fait with" answering competency-based questions."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "au fait with" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate familiarity or knowledge about something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While generally acceptable in most contexts, it is best suited for neutral to professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, demonstrating its widespread use in contemporary writing. When aiming for a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "familiar with" or "knowledgeable about". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can confidently incorporate "au fait with" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

familiar with

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing the French-derived "au fait" with a common English word.

knowledgeable about

This alternative uses a more descriptive adjective, emphasizing the depth of understanding.

informed about

This alternative focuses on the state of having received information.

acquainted with

This alternative suggests a more casual or introductory level of familiarity.

well-informed on

This alternative emphasizes the quality and extent of knowledge.

aware of

This alternative indicates a general consciousness or recognition.

conversant with

This alternative implies a skill in discussing or understanding a particular subject.

versed in

This alternative implies expertise or proficiency in a subject.

abreast of

This alternative suggests staying up-to-date with current information.

up-to-date on

This alternative specifically refers to having the latest information.

FAQs

What does "au fait with" mean?

The expression "au fait with" means to be familiar with or knowledgeable about something. It implies a good understanding or awareness of a particular subject or situation.

How can I use "au fait with" in a sentence?

You can use "au fait with" to describe someone's familiarity with a topic. For example: "She is "familiar with" all the latest marketing trends" or "He is "knowledgeable about" the company's new policies".

Are there any synonyms for "au fait with"?

Yes, there are several synonyms you can use instead of "au fait with", depending on the context. Some alternatives include "familiar with", "knowledgeable about", "acquainted with", and "informed about".

Is "au fait with" formal or informal?

"Au fait with" is generally considered neutral in formality. While it can be used in professional and academic contexts, it's also common in general news and media. Consider your audience and choose alternatives if a more casual tone is needed.