grow familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow familiar" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something becoming increasingly well-known or recognizable. Example sentence: I grew familiar with the city's busy streets after a few weeks of living there.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Even as they grow familiar, the ear glides off them.

The New York Times

In time, Obama's personal story would grow familiar.

The Washington Post

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

With the passage of time, even the most provocative art works grow familiar; they come to seem distinguished, knowable, and known.

The New Yorker

As she takes us about with her in her travels of discovery, we grow familiar with the delightful if somewhat incoherent Hav of 1985.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

By now, the cycle was growing familiar.

The New York Times

This summer, that feeling is growing familiar.

The New York Times

The alternation of movements grew familiar, if never altogether comfortable.

The New York Times - Arts

I also grew familiar with fetid overcrowding and unceasing clamor.

The New York Times

We grew familiar, safe, no longer the outsiders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow familiar" to describe a gradual process of increasing knowledge or comfort with something over time. For example, "Students will grow familiar with the concepts through repeated practice."

Common error

Avoid using "grow familiar" when describing an immediate or instantaneous acquisition of knowledge. The phrase implies a process that unfolds over time, not a sudden realization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow familiar" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of becoming acquainted with something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often connects a subject with an object of increasing awareness or understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow familiar" is a correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of becoming acquainted with something over time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in wiki and formal business writing. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is useful for expressing a gradual increase in knowledge, understanding, or comfort. Consider alternatives like "become acquainted" or "get used to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get used to

Emphasizes the process of adapting and becoming comfortable with something.

become acquainted

Suggests a more formal introduction and developing knowledge.

familiarize oneself with

More formal and reflexive, emphasizing active effort to learn.

develop a knowledge of

Focuses on building a deeper understanding over time.

become well-versed in

Suggests achieving a high level of competence and understanding.

become conversant with

Implies gaining expertise or detailed knowledge about a topic.

acclimate to

Specifically refers to adapting to a new environment or condition.

get the hang of

Informal expression indicating understanding and skill development.

gain exposure to

Highlights initial contact and increasing awareness.

learn the ropes

Idiomatic expression for learning the procedures or skills of a job or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow familiar" to describe the process of becoming acquainted with something over time. For instance, "The more I used the software, the more I "grew familiar" with its features."

What can I say instead of "grow familiar"?

You can use alternatives like "become acquainted", "get used to", or "familiarize oneself with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "grew familiar" or should I always use "grow familiar"?

"Grew familiar" is the past tense of "grow familiar", so use "grew" when referring to something that happened in the past. For example, "I "grew familiar" with the neighborhood after living there for a year."

What's the difference between "grow familiar" and "become familiar"?

While both phrases mean to gain knowledge or experience of something, "grow familiar" often implies a more gradual and natural process, whereas "become familiar" can suggest a more deliberate effort or a quicker transition.