familiarize themselves with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiarize themselves with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to learn or become acquainted with a particular subject or material. Example: "Before starting the project, team members should familiarize themselves with the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We want them to familiarize themselves with our communities and with our issues".

The New York Times

But travelers should familiarize themselves with the new currencies' security features.

The New York Times - Travel

Women will vote in women-only enclosures and so should familiarize themselves with the candidates' pictures.

The New York Times

It is important for detectives to familiarize themselves with this type of criminal.

The New Yorker

At times, he went on the offensive, suggesting that council members familiarize themselves with the law.

The New York Times

It takes time for concertgoers to familiarize themselves with an artist's work.

The New York Times - Arts

But legislative aides said representatives have started to familiarize themselves with the statutes in case it does become an issue.

The New York Times

Students of climate change law are facing a steep learning curve as they familiarize themselves with climate science.

The New York Times

To prepare his marines, Mattis took a novel approach, instructing them to familiarize themselves with Iraqi culture and history.

The New Yorker

This chapter encourages the reader to familiarize themselves with plastics.

Plastics Inside Out

With this mnemonic, the clinicians may easily familiarize themselves with TACs.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing a group to learn new guidelines or protocols, use "familiarize themselves with" to emphasize the importance of understanding and applying the information correctly.

Common error

Ensure you are using the reflexive pronoun correctly. "The students should familiarize them with the textbook" is incorrect; it should be "The students should familiarize themselves with the textbook".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiarize themselves with" serves as a directive, instructing individuals to gain knowledge or understanding of a particular subject, system, or environment. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "familiarize themselves with" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that directs individuals to gain knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly found in professional and academic writing, as well as in news and media. To ensure correct usage, pay attention to the reflexive pronoun. You can consider alternatives such as "acquaint themselves with" or "get to know" depending on the context and desired level of formality. This phrase is a valuable tool for clear and effective communication across various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquaint themselves with

This alternative is nearly identical in meaning but might suggest a slightly more formal or thorough introduction.

become acquainted with

Similar to "acquaint themselves with", but possibly less formal. It implies an initial introduction.

become conversant with

This suggests gaining a working knowledge or fluency in a particular subject or area.

get to know

This is a more informal way of expressing becoming familiar, often implying a personal connection.

become versed in

This implies achieving a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

get up to speed on

This emphasizes a rapid process of becoming knowledgeable, particularly about something new or changing.

educate themselves about

This focuses on the learning aspect and implies a more active and intentional process of gaining knowledge.

get a handle on

This suggests gaining control or understanding of a situation or concept.

study up on

This is an informal phrase suggesting a focused effort to learn something, usually for a specific purpose.

learn the ropes of

This idiom refers to learning the basics or essential procedures of a particular job or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "familiarize themselves with" in a sentence?

You can use "familiarize themselves with" when you want to suggest that someone should learn about something and become acquainted with it. For instance, "New employees should "familiarize themselves with" the company's policies".

What are some alternatives to "familiarize themselves with"?

You can use alternatives like "acquaint themselves with", "become conversant with", or "get to know" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "familiarize themselves with" or "learn about"?

"Familiarize themselves with" suggests a deeper and more thorough understanding than simply "learn about". The best choice depends on the level of understanding required.

What is the difference between "familiarize themselves with" and "get acquainted with"?

"Familiarize themselves with" and "get acquainted with" are quite similar, but ""familiarize themselves with"" can imply a more intentional or formal process of learning, while "get acquainted with" might be more casual.