become conversant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become conversant" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to gain knowledge or familiarity with something. Example: After taking an intensive language course, she became conversant in French and was able to confidently hold conversations with native speakers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Shocker: Your child will not become conversant during the average two years of high-school Spanish.

The Washington Post

What public policy issue did you have to become conversant in after being elected?

The Washington Post

Outcome 3: Students will become conversant with dilutive and non-dilutive funding sources.

Cornell University

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

The New York Times

Students become conversant with the documentary tradition as well as with alternative media and new directions in documentary.

Stanford University

Students then become conversant in the biological sciences through preclinical coursework followed by a series of clinical experiences.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I became conversant with the science, but I still had the advantage of being able to ask questions in a confidential environment.

Harvard Business Review

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "become conversant" in a subject, immerse yourself in diverse resources like books, articles, and discussions to gain a well-rounded understanding.

Common error

Don't assume that "becoming conversant" implies complete fluency. It suggests a solid working knowledge, not necessarily mastery or effortless communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become conversant" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of acquiring knowledge or familiarity with a specific subject or skill. It describes the action of gaining enough understanding to be able to discuss or work with something effectively. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from language learning to technical fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become conversant" correctly describes the process of gaining familiarity with a topic, making one able to discuss it intelligently. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general applicability. The phrase is commonly used across academia, news media, and scientific fields, suggesting a solid understanding without necessarily implying complete mastery. When writing, remember that "become conversant" indicates a working knowledge rather than full fluency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

familiarize oneself with

Emphasizes the process of getting to know something, often implying a practical understanding.

become knowledgeable about

Focuses on gaining information and understanding about a topic.

gain proficiency in

Highlights the development of skill or expertise in a particular area.

acquaint oneself with

Stresses the act of making oneself aware of something, often in a formal context.

master the basics of

Suggests achieving a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of a subject.

get up to speed on

Suggests quickly learning the essentials of a topic, often in a business setting.

develop a working knowledge of

Implies acquiring enough understanding to use something effectively, without necessarily being an expert.

learn the ropes of

Refers to learning the basic procedures or skills needed to do a job or task.

get clued up on

Primarily British English, signifies becoming informed about a particular topic or situation.

get the hang of

Indicates gradually learning how to do something, often through trial and error.

FAQs

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

You can use "become conversant" to describe the process of gaining familiarity with a topic, such as: "After the training, the team needed to "become conversant" with the new software."

What's the difference between "become conversant" and "become fluent"?

"Become conversant" implies gaining a working knowledge, while "become fluent" suggests a high level of proficiency and ease of communication. You can "become conversant" with basic Spanish in a few months, but achieving fluency takes much longer.

What are some alternatives to "become conversant"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "familiarize oneself with", "gain proficiency in", or "develop a working knowledge of".

Is "becoming conversant" a gradual or immediate process?

"Becoming conversant" is typically a gradual process. It involves consistent effort and exposure to the subject matter over time, rather than an instantaneous acquisition of knowledge.