grew familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

"grew familiar with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to become accustomed to something or to know something well. Example: As he spent more time in the foreign country, he grew familiar with the local customs and traditions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I also grew familiar with fetid overcrowding and unceasing clamor.

The New York Times

The three officers, assigned to the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene neighborhoods, grew familiar with the criminals in their precincts.

The New York Times

The source for an important part of his education was his father's workshops, where, with his own tools, bench, and forge, he made models (e.g., of cranes and barrel organs) and grew familiar with ships' instruments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Bush, who speaks Spanish and grew familiar with Latin American issues during his tenure as Texas governor, came into office promising to improve relations with the countries of the region.

The New York Times

He grew familiar with the need for sustainability in building design – and then intimately acquainted with it, when he decided to build an eco-home, complete with turbine, ground-source heat pump, solar panels and rainwater recovery systems, on the site of a former farmstead at Harwood in the Lancashire Pennines.

Independent

"These are two guys that probably have the most chemistry out of any two players in the league," said Sabres defenseman Craig Rivet, who grew familiar with the twins while playing for San Jose in the Western Conference in 2007-8.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

You grow familiar with the shrieks of the wounded, the stench of corpses.

The New Yorker

Over time, consumers from all quarters are likely to grow familiar with the new designs.

The New York Times

But the income stream has slowed for some towns as motorists have grown familiar with camera placement.

The New York Times

It's elementary, Watson: Our adversaries, growing familiar with our new way, have learned to hold back the barking.

The New York Times

It was a morning not too unusual for people living in a state that has grown familiar with the sight of convicted politicians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew familiar with" to describe a gradual process of becoming acquainted or comfortable with something over time. Avoid using it for sudden realizations or instant knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "grew familiar with" when you mean to express an immediate understanding or realization. For instance, don't say "He grew familiar with the answer as soon as he saw it." Instead, use "realized" or "understood".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "grew familiar with" is a verb phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence. It typically describes the process of someone becoming acquainted with something, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16.666666666666668%

Wiki

16.666666666666668%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grew familiar with" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gradual process of becoming acquainted or knowledgeable about something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While the phrase has a neutral register, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. Related phrases include "became acquainted with" and "became accustomed to". When using the phrase, it's important to remember that it implies a gradual process, not an instantaneous realization. It's a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to describe how someone develops an understanding or comfort level with a particular subject, place, or skill. The top authoritative sources for examples of its usage include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became accustomed to

Highlights the adaptation to a particular condition or environment.

became acquainted with

Focuses on the initial stage of getting to know something or someone.

gained understanding of

Focuses on the intellectual acquisition of knowledge.

gained insight into

Emphasizes the development of a deeper understanding or perspective.

became conversant with

Emphasizes developing a knowledgeable understanding.

became well-versed in

Indicates a deep and thorough knowledge.

learned the ropes of

Refers to learning the procedures or basics of a job or activity.

developed a knack for

Suggests acquiring a natural skill or talent through exposure.

got the hang of

Implies learning how to do something, often through practice.

cultivated an appreciation for

Highlights the development of a positive regard or understanding.

FAQs

What does "grew familiar with" mean?

The phrase "grew familiar with" means to gradually become acquainted with or knowledgeable about something through experience or study. It suggests a process of learning and becoming comfortable with a particular subject, place, or person.

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

You can use "grew familiar with" to describe a process of becoming acquainted with something. For example, "After spending a year in Japan, she "became acquainted with" Japanese culture".

What are some alternatives to "grew familiar with"?

Some alternatives to "grew familiar with" include ""became acquainted with"", "became accustomed to", or "gained understanding of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "become familiar with" and "grew familiar with" are both grammatically correct. "Become familiar with" suggests a starting point, while "grew familiar with" implies a gradual process over time.