closely acquainted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely acquainted with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or group with whom you have a strong, personal relationship. Example sentence: I have been closely acquainted with my best friend since childhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They are not closely acquainted with the mass-produced entertainment which daily visits most people.

The Guardian - Books

Thanks to The Altar's intimate revelations, it looks as though we're all destined to get very closely acquainted with Jillian Banks, too.

The Guardian - Music

This might have been because he was closely acquainted with it -- trouble, that is -- through much of his early life, growing up on Fordham Road in the Bronx.

The New York Times

Yet the question of whether she had engaged in sexual intercourse with Mr Lloyd occupied the girls' minds for many years, even after Miss Brodie appeared to have become closely acquainted with Mr Lowther.

The Guardian - Books

Pearl Meyer Suss, who lived on the same block as the Rizzuto family, became closely acquainted with the balls because they kept smashing through her front windows, infuriating her mother.

The New York Times

Captain Campion is closely acquainted with 23 families, and tells how they live, how they operate their confidence game called bajour, how they feel about stealing, religion; and their wedding and funeral feasts.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

You should probably avoid initiating negative comments, no matter how truthful, with people whom you are not closely acquainted or good friends with.

WikiHow

It proves beyond question that the two were closely acquainted.

Cornell University

Kissing is meant to be intimate – and intimate means closely acquainted.

Independent

As a result, agents that are more closely acquainted will influence each other more frequently than agents that are less closely acquainted.

Plosone

As I recall, he became so acquainted with his goslings that they thought of him as their mother and were closely bonded to him.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closely acquainted with" to indicate a deep level of familiarity gained through personal experience or interaction. It suggests more than just knowing of something or someone; it implies understanding and perhaps a personal connection.

Common error

Avoid using "closely acquainted with" when you simply mean that you've read about something or have a passing awareness. The phrase implies a deeper connection than just knowing facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely acquainted with" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase indicating a significant level of familiarity or personal knowledge. It modifies a noun or pronoun, providing information about the extent of one's awareness or experience. As Ludwig AI explains, this implies a strong personal relationship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

HuffPost

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely acquainted with" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deep level of familiarity or personal knowledge. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and refers to a strong personal relationship. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedia publications. To ensure correct usage, remember that this phrase implies more than a superficial awareness; it suggests a personal connection or experience that has fostered a significant understanding. Consider alternatives like "intimately familiar with" or "well versed in" to tailor your expression to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well acquainted with

Similar meaning but with a slightly less intense degree of familiarity.

intimately familiar with

Emphasizes deep personal knowledge and understanding, suggesting a more profound connection.

personally familiar with

Indicates direct, personal experience and understanding.

well versed in

Focuses on having extensive knowledge and experience in a particular subject or area.

deeply knowledgeable about

Highlights extensive learning and understanding of a specific topic.

closely connected to

Emphasizes a strong link or association, not necessarily implying personal knowledge.

be on familiar terms with

Implies a friendly and informal relationship.

have a strong rapport with

Highlights a harmonious and empathetic relationship.

intimately involved in

Indicates a deep and active participation or connection.

directly experienced

Focuses on personal encounters rather than indirect information or knowledge.

FAQs

What does "closely acquainted with" mean?

It means having a deep and personal familiarity with someone or something, often gained through direct experience or interaction.

How can I use "closely acquainted with" in a sentence?

For example, "She became "closely acquainted with" the local culture during her extended stay abroad."

What are some alternatives to "closely acquainted with"?

You could use phrases like "intimately familiar with", "well versed in", or "personally familiar with", depending on the context.

Is "closely acquainted with" formal or informal?

It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal due to its descriptive nature.