became conversant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became conversant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who has gained knowledge or familiarity with a subject or topic. Example: "After months of study, she became conversant in the principles of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Learning en passant, much as readers of Patrick O'Brian learn about the British Navy by following Aubrey and Maturin, legions of Chee and Leaphorn fans became conversant with the Navajo nation and the spectacular mesas and canyons of Navajo country.

The New York Times - Books

Working first in the Florence atelier of the great goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, where he became conversant in bronze-casting, and then in Rome for Guglielmo della Porta as a restorer of antique Classical marbles, van Tetrode honed a dazzling arsenal of skills.

The New York Times - Arts

Sima Qian goes on to say that, "Those who, in their own person, became conversant with the Six Disciplines [taught by Confucius], numbered seventy-two".

SEP

I became conversant with the conventions of the light saber design.

Huffington Post

Hubbard later said that through Thompson's friendship, "I attended many lectures given at naval hospitals and generally became conversant with psychoanalysis as it had been exported from Austria by Freud".

Wikipedia

Collegiate wrestlers were suddenly studying the mysterious art of Muay Thai; Japanese Judoka learned how to box; everyone became conversant in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which must be the most elegant way to cause enormous bodily harm to another human being.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I had represented wineries and taken several wine-tasting and winemaking courses to become conversant in wine.

The New York Times

You were late to become conversant with the P.C., but when you recognized that the Internet was a transforming technology you jumped right in, unlike a lot of other old-line companies.

The New Yorker

The irony is that centuries later, when we have perfected the God's-eye map and become conversant with it, we have, in the thrall of technology, turned back to the ancient way: the itinerary and the strip map.

The New Yorker

Concerned about its appeal to sponsors, the women's professional golf tour, which in recent years has been dominated by foreign-born players, has warned its members that they must become conversant in English by 2009 or face suspension.

The New York Times - Sports

Somehow, Converse had become a master of the acoustic guitar, created a complicated and unique fingerpicking style, developed a keen understanding of harmony and complex chord voicings, and become conversant (bordering on virtuosic) in the stylistic hallmarks of rural blues, country, gospel, folk, pop, jazz, hillbilly, parlor songs, and early jazz.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "became conversant" with a specific subject or area of knowledge to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "became conversant" when describing someone who has only a superficial understanding of a topic. Ensure the individual has a demonstrable ability to discuss the subject matter with some depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became conversant" functions as a verb phrase indicating the attainment of knowledge or familiarity with a specific subject. It describes the process of learning and gaining a comfortable level of understanding, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became conversant" signifies the process of gaining enough knowledge on a subject to engage in intelligent conversation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English, denoting a comfortable level of understanding without necessarily implying expertise. While "became familiar with" offers a simpler alternative, "became conversant" adds a layer of sophistication, suitable for news, scientific, and professional contexts. Remember to use it when describing genuine comprehension, not just superficial knowledge. This wrap-up aims to provide clarity and practical tips for employing this useful phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became well-versed in

Suggests a comprehensive and detailed knowledge.

became familiar with

Focuses on gaining a basic understanding or acquaintance, implying less depth than "conversant".

became acquainted with

Similar to "familiar with", suggesting an initial stage of learning.

gained proficiency in

Emphasizes the development of skill and expertise.

acquired knowledge of

Highlights the act of obtaining information or understanding.

developed an understanding of

Focuses on the gradual growth of comprehension.

became adept at

Highlights skill and dexterity in a particular area.

mastered the art of

Implies a high level of skill and control over a specific practice.

cultivated an expertise in

Indicates a deliberate and careful development of skill or knowledge.

grasped the intricacies of

Emphasizes understanding the complex details of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "became conversant" in a sentence?

You can use "became conversant" to describe someone who has gained sufficient knowledge of a subject to discuss it intelligently. For example: "After the training, he became conversant in the new software."

What is a good alternative to "became conversant"?

Alternatives include "became familiar with", "became well-versed in", or "gained proficiency in", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became conversant about"?

While grammatically understandable, "became conversant in/with" is more standard. "Became conversant about" is less common and might sound awkward to some readers. Prefer "became conversant in" or "became conversant with" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "became familiar with" and "became conversant with"?

"Became familiar with" suggests a basic understanding, while "became conversant with" implies a more thorough knowledge, enabling informed discussion. Someone familiar with a topic knows the basics, while someone conversant can engage in detailed conversations about it.