become conversant with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become conversant with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of becoming knowledgeable or familiar with a subject or topic. Example: "To excel in this field, it is essential to become conversant with the latest technologies and trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

It will be essential not only for risk assessors to become conversant with the language and concepts of mechanistic research, including new omic technologies, but also, for researchers to become more intimately familiar with the challenges and needs of risk assessment.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

Similarly, students need to become conversant with and capable of thinking critically about science, history and the social sciences.

Huffington Post

His citation read: Fairley was one of a number of AIF officers granted leave "to visit various hospitals in the United Kingdom so that they become conversant with the latest developments in the medical sciences".

Wikipedia

Research team members received five days of training to become conversant with the survey procedures.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

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

In selecting an art of gender masquerade--one intended to secure the parturient power of women to men--Levine's art becomes conversant with the art of the trangendering figures we find made in Neolithic societies around the world, especially those that have not yet been made cognizant of paternity.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become conversant with", ensure the context clearly defines what specific knowledge or skill the subject needs to acquire. This makes the phrase more impactful and less vague.

Common error

Avoid using "become conversant with" when describing a very basic or introductory understanding. This phrase implies a functional level of knowledge, so reserve it for situations where real understanding is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become conversant with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of gaining knowledge or familiarity with a particular subject or topic. This involves more than just basic awareness; it suggests developing a working understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become conversant with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the process of gaining sufficient knowledge or familiarity with a subject to understand and discuss it effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, it often appears in news, science, and academic writings, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure clarity about the specific knowledge being acquired and to avoid overstating the level of familiarity. Alternatives such as "become familiar with" or "get to know" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become familiar with

Emphasizes gaining a basic understanding or awareness.

become knowledgeable about

Focuses on gaining information and understanding about something.

become acquainted with

Focuses on the initial stage of learning or experiencing something.

get to know

Suggests a process of discovering and understanding something gradually.

become well-versed in

Implies achieving a high level of expertise or knowledge.

gain insight into

Focuses on acquiring a deeper understanding or perspective.

develop a working knowledge of

Highlights acquiring practical skills and understanding for a specific purpose.

gain proficiency in

Stresses the attainment of competence and skill through practice.

acquire expertise in

Underscores the development of specialized knowledge or skill.

get up to speed on

Highlights the process of quickly gaining necessary information.

FAQs

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

You can use "become conversant with" to indicate gaining knowledge or familiarity with a topic. For example, "It is important to "become conversant with" the latest research in your field".

What are some alternatives to "become conversant with"?

Alternatives include "become familiar with", "become acquainted with", or "get to know", depending on the desired level of formality and depth of understanding.

Is it better to say "become conversant in" or "become conversant with"?

"Become conversant with" is the more common and generally preferred usage when referring to gaining knowledge about a subject. "Conversant in" is typically used when referring to language proficiency.

What does it mean to "become conversant with" something?

To ""become conversant with"" something means to gain enough knowledge or familiarity to discuss it intelligently and understand its key aspects.