be very familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be very familiar with" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to express a strong understanding or knowledge of something. Example: In order to be successful in this field, it is crucial to be very familiar with the latest technology and advancements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Words like adiabatic, which we'll be very familiar with.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

RSL will be very familiar with one of their opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

Some people have suggested that Glastonbury-goers might not be very familiar with Metallica's work.

The Guardian - Music

This kind of political statement on social investment is one that UK social entrepreneurs will be very familiar with.

The Guardian

You can find brief documentation of Tregex's pattern language on the TregexPattern javadoc page, and, of course, you should also be very familiar with Java regular expression syntax.

Stanford University

But the particular system she chose to play may not have been a wise choice, as Chinese players are known to be very familiar with it.

The New York Times

"I wanted him to be very familiar with moving in the world of the public elite but not known to the general public".

The New York Times - Arts

Sky viewers who have been following the Indy Racing League for the past 10 years will be very familiar with the precarious nature of racing at those speeds.

The Guardian - Sport

My work regularly brings me into contact with people who will be very familiar with the phenomenon of muri, if not the actual term.

The Guardian

This ad has a lot of work to do to explain to the viewer what they offer since they may not be very familiar with the brand.

The Guardian

Not just any bear suit either - I happen to be very familiar with that particular suit as I've used it many times myself.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "be very familiar with" with action verbs to show practical application. For example, "be very familiar with" data analysis software helps you "analyze complex datasets efficiently".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating your level of understanding. Be honest about your expertise to prevent misunderstandings and maintain credibility. If you only have a basic grasp, say "be somewhat familiar with" instead of using "be very familiar with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very familiar with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of knowing something well. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common construction. Examples include "RSL will be very familiar with one of their opponents" and "you should be very familiar with your school's honor code."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be very familiar with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a strong level of knowledge or understanding. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common construction across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, its register is considered neutral, fitting both formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you accurately represent your level of expertise and consider alternative phrasings, such as ""be well-versed in"" or ""have extensive knowledge of"", to best convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be well-versed in

This alternative suggests a comprehensive and learned understanding of a subject.

know inside and out

This phrase implies a thorough and detailed understanding, leaving no aspect unknown.

possess a deep understanding of

Highlights the profundity of one's comprehension, emphasizing a thorough grasp.

have extensive knowledge of

This alternative emphasizes the depth and breadth of knowledge, rather than just familiarity.

be conversant with

This alternative suggests the ability to discuss a topic intelligently and knowledgeably.

have a strong grasp of

This option focuses on understanding and control over the subject matter.

have considerable experience in

This focuses on practical knowledge gained through direct involvement and practice.

be acquainted with

A slightly more formal way of saying "be familiar with", indicating awareness and some level of understanding.

be no stranger to

This phrase suggests a level of experience and familiarity, often implying regular exposure.

have a working knowledge of

Indicates a practical understanding sufficient for basic application or operation.

FAQs

How can I use "be very familiar with" in a sentence?

Use "be very familiar with" to indicate a strong understanding or knowledge of a particular subject, skill, or concept. For example, "To succeed in this role, you need to "be very familiar with" the latest marketing trends".

What are some alternatives to "be very familiar with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be well-versed in", "have extensive knowledge of", or "know inside and out".

Is it better to say "be familiar with" or "be very familiar with"?

The choice depends on the degree of knowledge you want to convey. "Be familiar with" suggests a general understanding, while ""be very familiar with"" indicates a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding.

What's the difference between "be acquainted with" and "be very familiar with"?

"Be acquainted with" implies a casual or superficial knowledge, while ""be very familiar with"" suggests a much deeper and more thorough understanding.