closely familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closely familiar with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strong level of knowledge or understanding about a particular subject or person. Example: "She is closely familiar with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and can provide valuable insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 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

Even if the public may not be closely familiar with all the details involving Russian collusion, Democrats can connect the Mueller investigation to a broader case about Trump corruption and Republican efforts to help him escape accountability.

The Washington Post

Former Nordac employes closely familiar with the firm's operations said they have told federal prosecutors that they believe the company had planned to make such payments, but ended up making only a portion of the payments.

The Washington Post

As it turns out, the Word thesaurus issues the same response with the phrases, "I'd like to see Bill Gates go broke," and "I'd like to see my stocks go up" -- and any other phrase beginning with simply "I'd...". People closely familiar with Word have known about the quirk for years.

The New York Times

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

Science Magazine

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

After you've notified the necessary parties, review your policy closely so you are familiar with the benefits you can expect for your small business claim.

WikiHow

Yet Steele is not a convicted war criminal, as Calley was, and at least seven retired or active-duty generals who have worked closely with him, or are familiar with his leadership in Iraq, believe that he is an exemplary, misunderstood military leader.

The New Yorker

Vice has more than 30 offices around the world and last year had revenues in the neighborhood of $200 million, according to people familiar with the closely held company.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closely familiar with" to describe a strong level of understanding or expertise, especially when personal experience or direct involvement is relevant. For example: "She is closely familiar with the project's history."

Common error

Avoid using "closely familiar with" when describing a passing acquaintance or superficial knowledge. It implies a deeper connection than simply having heard of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closely familiar with" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something possessing in-depth knowledge or understanding. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closely familiar with" is a phrase used to indicate a strong level of understanding or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge domains. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, use this phrase when denoting genuine expertise and avoid substituting it for superficial knowledge. Consider alternatives such as "well-acquainted with" or "thoroughly versed in" to adjust the emphasis as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly knowledgeable of

A more straightforward way of expressing expertise, without the nuance of familiarity.

well-acquainted with

Emphasizes a personal connection or relationship with the subject, more so than just knowledge.

well-informed about

Focuses on having received information, not necessarily implying a deep understanding.

completely acquainted with

Emphasizes full and total awareness, similar to 'well-acquainted' but stronger.

intimately knowledgeable about

Suggests a deeper, more thorough understanding than simply being familiar.

well-versed in

Similar to 'thoroughly versed' but slightly less formal.

thoroughly versed in

Focuses on knowledge gained through study or experience, suggesting expertise.

conversant in

Suggests a proficiency in the subject matter allowing for discussion and understanding.

deeply conversant with

Implies an ability to discuss the subject in detail, highlighting communication skills.

abreast of

Indicates being up-to-date with the latest information, rather than overall familiarity.

FAQs

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

Use "closely familiar with" to indicate a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject, often based on experience. For instance, "The researcher is "closely familiar with" the intricacies of quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "closely familiar with"?

Alternatives include "well-acquainted with", "intimately knowledgeable about", or "thoroughly versed in", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "closely familiar with" or "familiar with"?

"Closely familiar with" implies a stronger and more in-depth understanding than simply "familiar with". Use "closely familiar with" when you want to emphasize a deep level of expertise or experience.

What does "closely familiar with" mean?

The phrase "closely familiar with" suggests a comprehensive understanding and deep knowledge of a subject, often gained through prolonged exposure or experience. It indicates a level of expertise beyond mere awareness.