he is well-versed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is well-versed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a deep knowledge or expertise in a particular subject or field. Example: "As a historian, he is well-versed in the events of the 20th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"He is well-versed in culture – philosophy, literature, visual arts and music," Theocarakis adds.

Independent

Gore filled in some of the gaps in Clinton's record: he is well-versed in military issues; and he is a bonafide environmentalist.

The New Yorker

As governor of a state with a large Latino population, he is well-versed in immigration policies and politics, and has a track-record of supporting reform measures.

The Guardian

He is well-versed in the "mesh," the intricate exchange point in an option play in which Griffin will keep the ball or hand it to Morris, depending on how the quarterback reads the defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Six of Mr. Karzai's seven siblings live in the United States, and he made it clear repeatedly this week that he is well-versed in the ways of Washington's tribes.

The New York Times

He is well-versed in this area.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"He was well-versed in the constitution.

The Guardian

Luckily, he's well-versed enough in the protocol to offer to do it instead of me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bacon was born into a wealthy family; he was well-versed in the classics and enjoyed the advantages of an early training in geometry, arithmetic, music, and astronomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's well-versed when challenged on the sexualised nature of his tracks or his unapologetic love for pop, and practically bristles at the suggestion that rappers should be role models.

Independent

Damian honed his "reader in residence" role at London's Andaz hotel, the first to add "bedtime stories" to its in-room menu, so he's well-versed in vocalising tales to pyjama-clad strangers.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is well-versed" to describe someone with comprehensive knowledge and a deep understanding of a subject. It implies more than just familiarity; it suggests mastery.

Common error

Don't use "he is well-versed" if someone simply has a passing knowledge of something. The phrase implies a deeper, more comprehensive understanding than mere acquaintance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is well-versed" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the pronoun "he". It describes a quality or state of being, indicating that the subject possesses comprehensive knowledge or expertise in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is well-versed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to describe someone's profound understanding or expertise in a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. While it appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a comprehensive knowledge rather than a mere passing familiarity. Consider alternatives like "he is knowledgeable" or "he is proficient" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is knowledgeable

This alternative is a more general way of saying someone has information or understanding.

he is proficient

This alternative emphasizes skill and competence in a particular area.

he is experienced

This alternative emphasizes practical knowledge gained over time.

he is an expert

This alternative indicates a high level of skill and knowledge in a specific field.

he is skilled

This alternative focuses on competence and ability.

he is accomplished

This alternative suggests a high degree of success and expertise.

he is talented

This alternative emphasizes innate ability and aptitude.

he is familiar with

This alternative suggests a basic understanding or acquaintance with a topic.

he has a good grasp of

This alternative indicates a solid understanding and ability to use knowledge effectively.

he is acquainted with

This alternative is the weakest form of showing familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "he is well-versed" in a sentence?

You can use "he is well-versed" to describe someone's deep knowledge or expertise in a particular subject. For example, "As a historian, "he is well-versed" in the events of the 20th century."

What are some alternatives to "he is well-versed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he is knowledgeable", "he is proficient", or "he is an expert".

Is it better to say "he is well-versed in" or "he is well-versed with"?

"He is well-versed in" is the correct and more common usage. "Well-versed with" is less idiomatic and should generally be avoided.

What does "he is well-versed" imply about someone's knowledge?

The phrase implies a deep and comprehensive understanding, suggesting that the person has considerable experience and study in the area. It conveys more than just basic familiarity.