closely familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

"closely familiar" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation or relationship in which two people, groups, or ideas are well-known to each other. For example: "The two close friends had grown so closely familiar with one another that they could finish each other's sentences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Two sources closely familiar with the negotiations, who were not authorized to speak to the media, confirmed the settlement had been agreed by both sides in principle but had not yet been formally signed.

The Guardian

"Everyone who reviews that book is going to be closely familiar with his first book, his approach to reading fiction," said Leon Wieseltier, Mr. Wood's editor at The New Republic.

The New York Times - Books

As an artist, he remains difficult to categorise, for while he openly admitted the influence of the modern French school, with which he became closely familiar in the year he spent in Paris in the mid-1950s, the course he subsequently followed was never to be anything but his own.

The Guardian - Arts

It's not a domain with which I'm closely familiar.

Science Magazine

Al-Ghazâlî was closely familiar with the Ismâ'îlites' propaganda efforts but he had little reliable information on their teachings on cosmology and metaphysics.

SEP

One classic example I am closely familiar with started out as two men with a vision.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Directed with care and competence by Tom Vaughan ("What Happens in Vegas"), the film hews closely to familiar themes and patterns.

The New York Times

In attempting to construct a believable rock band, however, Flanagan, whose novel "A&R" took a similarly jaundiced view of the music business, hews too closely to familiar, even clichéd scenes — lounging with singer-songwriters in Los Angeles in 1975, visiting CBGB a year later — and as a result the Ravons resemble lots of real bands yet have little character of their own.

The New York Times - Books

This assertion can be analyzed using the ideas of evolutionary psychology such as the association of animals with disgust and mortality, the inclination to sympathize closely with familiar animals like pets, the tendency to form in- and out-groups in dire situations and the concept of fair play.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

And it raises two familiar, closely connected questions.

The Economist

He had initiated his familiar closely brushed, micromanaged painting style.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closely familiar" to convey a nuanced understanding that goes beyond superficial knowledge, suggesting a deep level of acquaintance or expertise. For instance, say "he is closely familiar with the local customs" instead of "he knows the local customs" to emphasize a deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "closely familiar" in excessively formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "proficient", "expert", or "well-versed" might be more appropriate to convey the specific type of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely familiar" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree to which someone or something is known or understood. As shown in Ludwig, it often describes expertise or deep acquaintance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely familiar" is an adjectival phrase used to describe a deep level of knowledge or acquaintance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples illustrating its use across various contexts. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, appearing mostly in News & Media and scientific sources, its use adds a nuance of depth and expertise. As Ludwig's analysis shows, related alternatives like "thoroughly familiar" or "intimately acquainted" can provide subtle differences in meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly familiar with

Indicates an exhaustive understanding or knowledge.

closely acquainted

Similar, but with a greater emphasis on personal acquaintance than detailed knowledge.

personally familiar with

Specifies that the knowledge comes from personal experience.

intimately acquainted

Emphasizes a personal and deep level of knowing, suggesting a more personal connection.

well-acquainted with

Suggests a good level of knowledge or experience with something.

intimately aware of

Focuses on having a private or special knowledge of something.

deeply versed in

Highlights expertise and knowledge gained through thorough study or experience.

well-versed in

Implies a high level of competence and knowledge, especially through study.

highly knowledgeable about

Highlights a high degree of expertise and information on a particular topic.

thoroughly conversant with

Indicates a comprehensive and detailed understanding of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "closely familiar" in a sentence?

You can use "closely familiar" to describe someone's deep understanding or knowledge of a subject, for example, "The researcher is closely familiar with the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems."

What's a good alternative to "closely familiar"?

Alternatives include "thoroughly familiar", "well-acquainted with", or "intimately acquainted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "closely familiar" the same as "familiar"?

No, "closely familiar" implies a deeper, more intimate level of knowledge than simply "familiar". It suggests a thorough understanding or prolonged exposure.

When is it appropriate to use "closely familiar"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize not just awareness, but a comprehensive and detailed understanding, often gained through considerable experience or study. Avoid using it when simple familiarity is sufficient.