be unfamiliar

USAGE SUMMARY

"be unfamiliar" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means that something is not known or recognized by someone. Example: This new software program may be unfamiliar to most people, but with some practice, it can be easy to use.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they will also be unfamiliar.

The New York Times

The workers would be unfamiliar with computers.

The New York Times - Tech

The terrain may be unfamiliar, but the role is not.

The New York Times

The jerseys will be unfamiliar and the games fairly meaningless.

The New York Times - Sports

A couple of components might be unfamiliar to you.

The New York Times

The names might be unfamiliar, but the music isn't.

The Guardian - Music

Why might some of the terms be unfamiliar to students?

The New York Times

For those of us who frequent the Gap, she may be unfamiliar.

The New York Times

The publishing approaches that succeeded will not be unfamiliar to readers of our own century.

The New York Times - Books

Panelists were incredulous that a seasoned astronaut could be unfamiliar with basic weightlessness.

The New Yorker

If the history behind 1864 might be unfamiliar to British viewers, its cast certainly won't be.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unfamiliar", clearly specify what the subject is unfamiliar with. This provides clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be unfamiliar" without specifying what the subject lacks familiarity with. For instance, instead of saying "The process may be unfamiliar", specify "The process may be unfamiliar to new users".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unfamiliar" primarily functions as a predicate adjective. It describes the state of something or someone lacking knowledge or experience. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unfamiliar" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that describes a lack of knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly appearing in news, scientific, and business domains, it serves to inform about unfamiliarity with a subject. For effective usage, it's crucial to specify what the subject is unfamiliar with to ensure clarity. Keep in mind other alternative expressions, such as "lack familiarity", can add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently use "be unfamiliar" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack familiarity

Focuses on the absence of knowledge or experience with something.

be unacquainted

Highlights a lack of personal knowledge or introduction to something.

be ignorant of

Emphasizes a lack of awareness or information about something.

have no knowledge of

Directly states the absence of information about a topic.

be a stranger to

Implies a lack of experience or exposure to something.

not be conversant with

Suggests a lack of detailed knowledge or expertise.

be inexperienced with

Highlights a lack of practical experience in a particular area.

have little exposure to

Indicates limited contact or interaction with something.

be unversed in

Implies a lack of formal training or knowledge in a specific subject.

not know the first thing about

Emphasizes a complete lack of understanding or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "be unfamiliar" in a sentence?

You can use "be unfamiliar" to indicate a lack of knowledge or experience with something. For example, "The new software may "be unfamiliar" to some users".

What are some alternatives to "be unfamiliar"?

Alternatives include "lack familiarity", "be unacquainted", or "have no knowledge of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be unfamiliar with" or "be unfamiliar to"?

Both "be unfamiliar with" and "be unfamiliar to" are correct, but "be unfamiliar with" is generally more common when referring to a skill or area of knowledge, while "be unfamiliar to" is often used when referring to a person or group.

What is the difference between "be unfamiliar" and "be unknown"?

"Be unfamiliar" implies a lack of personal experience or knowledge, while "be unknown" suggests that something is not generally known or recognized. For example, a concept can "be unfamiliar" to a student but not "be unknown" in the scientific community.