familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

'familiar with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'familiar with' when you need to describe someone's knowledge or understanding of a subject. For example: "He is very familiar with the process of making cheese."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's familiar with our system.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm very familiar with them.

The New York Times

"Are you familiar with it?

Independent

Sources familiar with Sal.

Forbes

I'm not familiar with it.

Science Magazine

Get familiar with Roblox.

WikiHow

Get familiar with codes.

WikiHow

Be familiar with LEGO.

WikiHow

Become familiar with jiggers.

WikiHow

Become familiar with it.

WikiHow

Become familiar with MediaWiki.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "familiar with", ensure you clearly state what the subject is familiar with. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions other than "with" after "familiar". Using "to", "of", or other prepositions is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar with" primarily functions as a predicate adjective followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of knowing or being acquainted with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "familiar with" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples highlight its broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to wikis and scientific articles. The analysis reveals that "familiar with" is most commonly used in neutral settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of clearly stating what the subject is familiar with. It's also important to only use the preposition "with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowledgeable about

Focuses on the possession of information and understanding regarding a topic.

acquainted with

Indicates a basic level of knowledge or awareness, often implying an initial introduction to the subject.

experienced in

Highlights practical involvement and skill developed through direct participation.

comfortable with

Emphasizes ease and confidence in dealing with something, often due to familiarity and practice.

conversant with

Suggests a good level of knowledge and ability to discuss a topic intelligently.

abreast of

Indicates being up-to-date with the latest information or developments.

well-versed in

Implies a deep and thorough understanding of a particular subject or area.

au fait with

A more formal and somewhat old-fashioned way of saying "familiar with", implying a sophisticated understanding.

aware of

Denotes a simple consciousness or recognition of something.

used to

Suggests a state of being accustomed or habituated to something, often through repeated exposure.

FAQs

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

Use "familiar with" to indicate knowledge or understanding of something. For example, "She is "familiar with" the software" or "Are you "familiar with" our policies?". It expresses a level of acquaintance or expertise.

What are some alternatives to "familiar with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "acquainted with", "knowledgeable about", or "conversant with". Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of understanding or experience you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "familiar to" instead of "familiar with"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "familiar" in this context is "with". "Familiar to" has a slightly different meaning, indicating something that is easily recognized, while "familiar with" refers to having knowledge or experience.

What's the difference between "familiar with" and "comfortable with"?

"Familiar with" implies knowledge or understanding, while "comfortable with" suggests a sense of ease or confidence. You might be "familiar with" a complex topic but not necessarily "comfortable with" explaining it to others. The terms emphasize different aspects of your relationship to the subject.