grow familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

'grow familiar with' is correct and usable in written English, typically as a phrasal verb.
An example sentence: "She's hoping to grow familiar with the new software quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 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

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

The flair and charm of these remarkable artists lend a dash of style to us readers, in turn, as we grow familiar with their stuff.

The New Yorker

Risk perception research has found that when we grow familiar with a risk…when we have experienced the danger but not suffered…we start to take it less seriously.

The New York Times

To read: For the Atlantic Cities, Eric Jaffe considers the way we learn to navigate our city: The more time we spend finding directions on Google Maps, the more our minds may grow familiar with the officially documented outline of our city, rather than the one created through our own experiences.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I also grew familiar with fetid overcrowding and unceasing clamor.

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

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

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

When using "grow familiar with", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is becoming familiar with. For instance, "grow familiar with the software" is more informative than simply "grow familiar".

Common error

Avoid overusing "grow familiar with" in passive constructions. Instead of saying "the process becomes familiar", opt for active constructions like "users grow familiar with the process" for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow familiar with" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a gradual process of becoming acquainted with or accustomed to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it used with concepts like risks, routines, and characters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow familiar with" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the gradual process of becoming acquainted with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and common in written English. Predominantly used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what one is becoming familiar with, and consider alternatives like "become acquainted with" or "get used to" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid overusing the passive voice to maintain a direct and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become acquainted with

Emphasizes the start of the process of getting to know something.

get used to

Focuses on adapting to something, often implying a change in habit or perspective.

acclimate to

Highlights adapting to a new environment or condition.

familiarize oneself with

A more formal and reflexive version of the original phrase.

get the hang of

Indicates mastering or understanding how to do something.

learn the ropes

Implies learning the basics or procedures of a new task or situation.

become conversant with

Suggests acquiring a good understanding of something, often in a specific area.

get to know

Focuses on building a personal connection or understanding.

develop an understanding of

Emphasizes the development of comprehension and knowledge.

gain exposure to

Highlights the experience of being introduced to something new.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow familiar with" to describe the process of becoming acquainted with something. For example, "The more you use the software, the more you'll "grow familiar with" its features".

What can I say instead of "grow familiar with"?

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

Is there a difference between "grow familiar with" and "become familiar with"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "grow familiar with" suggests a gradual process of becoming acquainted, whereas "become familiar with" can imply a more immediate or definitive transition.

Which is more formal, "grow familiar with" or "familiarize oneself with"?

"Familiarize oneself with" is generally considered more formal than "grow familiar with". It's often used in official or academic contexts.