become acquainted

USAGE SUMMARY

"become acquainted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing two people or when someone is getting to know a new place, environment, or subject. For example, "Theresa and Paul just met each other, but they hope to become acquainted soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I need to become acquainted.

The New York Times - Books

It was time to become acquainted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They had more time to become acquainted.

The New York Times - Style

Two married couples become acquainted at the Café Suiça.

The New York Times - Books

How did you first become acquainted with this research?

The New York Times

Students quickly become acquainted with character portraits and rumors.

Independent

They've had decades to become acquainted with Livingstone.

The New Yorker

Set aside to allow the flavours to become acquainted.

Independent

He had also become acquainted with the prince.

The Guardian

Since then we have become acquainted with more inconclusive finales.

The New York Times

Phips promptly left Boston to become acquainted with his vast territory to the north.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become acquainted" to describe a gradual process of getting to know someone or something, rather than a single event.

Common error

Avoid using "become acquainted" in situations that require a more immediate or direct term such as "meet" or "introduce", as it implies a deeper level of familiarity than a simple introduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become acquainted" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of familiarity or knowledge about a subject or person. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples demonstrating its role in depicting the process of getting to know something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become acquainted" is a widely used and grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the process of getting to know someone or something. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When writing, it’s best to use "become acquainted" to depict a gradual process, avoiding its use when a more immediate term like "meet" is more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "get to know" or "familiarize oneself with" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get acquainted with

Similar meaning, but uses a slightly different grammatical structure.

get to know

Focuses on the process of learning about someone or something.

familiarize oneself with

Emphasizes the action of making oneself knowledgeable about something.

make someone's acquaintance

Highlights the initial introduction between people.

strike up a friendship

Implies the beginning of a friendly relationship.

develop a rapport

Suggests building a harmonious relationship.

form a connection

Indicates establishing a bond or link.

meet and greet

Focuses on the act of meeting, often in a formal setting.

get on first-name terms

Highlights progression in a relationship to a more casual level.

break the ice

Refers to initiating a conversation or relationship to reduce initial awkwardness.

FAQs

How can I use "become acquainted" in a sentence?

You can use "become acquainted" to describe the process of getting to know someone or something, for example: "The students will "become acquainted" with the new curriculum over the next few weeks."

What can I say instead of "become acquainted"?

You can use alternatives like "get to know", "familiarize oneself with", or "get acquainted with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "become acquainted" or "get acquainted"?

Both ""become acquainted"" and "get acquainted" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "become acquainted" and "meet"?

"Meet" usually refers to an initial introduction, while ""become acquainted"" implies a more gradual process of getting to know someone or something over time.