he gets to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he gets to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of someone becoming familiar with or learning about someone or something over time. Example: "As he spends more time with his colleagues, he gets to know their strengths and weaknesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He gets to know Eichmann well.

The Guardian - Film

He gets to know them that way.

The New York Times - Sports

He gets to know them one dollar at a time.

The New Yorker

But as he gets to know her, he discovers her good heart.

Stanford University

He gets to know her well enough to offer an accurate self-description.

The New York Times - Books

Once he gets to know someone, Gillick said, he warms up quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

As they get to know him, he gets to know them.

The New York Times

He gets to know his regulars and often offers guidance on their interior design projects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And each time, he gets to know more about the flirtatious woman, and has to narrow down the suspects.

Independent

"He's one of those guys that once he gets to know you, he likes you, you're in," Thurman said.

The New York Times - Sports

He gets to know a large contingent of fellow sufferers, whose stories he tells.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he gets to know" to describe a process where familiarity develops over time, not just a single encounter. It implies a deepening understanding or relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "he gets to know" when describing a brief encounter. Use phrases like "he meets" or "he encounters" if there's no implication of a developing relationship or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he gets to know" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of becoming familiar with someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe the development of a relationship or understanding over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he gets to know" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the process of becoming familiar with someone or something. Ludwig AI affirms this, providing numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it appropriately to convey a developing understanding, as opposed to a single encounter. Consider synonyms like "he becomes acquainted with" for more formal settings. Avoid using the phrase when the context only suggests a quick meeting, without the implication of development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he becomes acquainted with

Replaces "gets to know" with a more formal synonym, "acquainted with".

he familiarizes himself with

Emphasizes the process of becoming familiar, adding a reflexive pronoun.

he grows accustomed to

Suggests a gradual process of becoming comfortable or familiar.

he comes to understand

Highlights the development of understanding through experience.

he learns about

Focuses on acquiring knowledge about someone or something.

he develops an understanding of

Focuses on the creation of a clear comprehension through time or experience.

he discovers

Implies finding out something new or previously unknown about someone.

he makes the acquaintance of

A more formal way of saying he meets someone and begins to know them.

he builds a rapport with

Emphasizes the development of a harmonious relationship.

he befriends

Suggests forming a friendship as a result of getting to know someone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he gets to know" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "he becomes acquainted with" or "he familiarizes himself with". These options add a level of sophistication suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is there a difference between "he gets to know" and "he learns about"?

While both suggest gaining information, "he gets to know" implies a more personal, experiential process. "He learns about" is more general and can refer to acquiring knowledge without direct interaction.

Can "he gets to know" be used in a business context?

Yes, "he gets to know" can be used in a business context to describe a new employee's onboarding process, for example. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "he becomes familiar with" for official documents.

What are some common synonyms for "he gets to know"?

Common synonyms include "he comes to understand", "he discovers", and "he grows accustomed to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.