intimately acquainted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimately acquainted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which two people have a deep understanding and knowledge of each other. For example: "The couple had been intimately acquainted for years and could almost read each other's minds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such is America's churning diversity that most Americans are intimately acquainted with people of other faiths.

The Economist

Clarice Lispector, as her stories make clear, was intimately acquainted with these barriers.

The New Yorker

I became regularly and intimately acquainted with stands of beautiful grey-barked, bronze-leaved beech.

Independent

"The brilliance of Véronique's writing is that you become intimately acquainted with the speaker's thoughts.

The Guardian - Books

Writers intimately acquainted with the islands answer with postcards from their ancestral homes.

The New York Times - Travel

The couple have become intimately acquainted with the personalities of these new microorganisms.

The New York Times

Racers will become intimately acquainted with their urban environment, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The authors' explanation for this bigheartedness is common-sensical: "Most Americans are intimately acquainted with people of other faiths".

The New York Times - Books

Each is intimately acquainted with the other's track record and each, in his way, has vowed to destroy the other.

The Times

Judging by his recent work, Leavitt is himself intimately acquainted with these dark-hours-of-the-night questions.

The New York Times - Books

While intimately acquainted with the advances and sales of his friends' books, he barely troubles himself to mention their contents.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimately acquainted" to convey a deep and personal level of familiarity, going beyond mere acquaintance. This phrase suggests a nuanced understanding developed through experience or close association.

Common error

Avoid using "intimately acquainted" when a simple "acquainted" suffices. "Intimately acquainted" implies a depth of understanding and familiarity that is inappropriate for casual or superficial relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimately acquainted" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a deep level of familiarity or knowledge. It suggests a more profound understanding than simply being "acquainted". Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intimately acquainted" is a correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that denotes a deep, personal understanding or familiarity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While generally considered neutral in register, it's crucial to differentiate it from mere "acquaintance" to accurately convey the intended depth of knowledge. Considering alternatives like "thoroughly acquainted" or "deeply familiar" can refine your writing. Remember to use "intimately acquainted" when you want to convey a nuanced understanding developed through close association or experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly acquainted

Emphasizes the completeness and depth of knowledge.

know inside out

Emphasizes a complete and thorough knowledge.

deeply familiar

Highlights the profound level of understanding and experience.

personally familiar

Highlights the direct, firsthand experience and understanding.

closely connected

Focuses on the close relationship and understanding between individuals or concepts.

be fully conversant with

Implies ease and fluency in understanding a topic.

well-versed

Indicates a comprehensive knowledge and skill in a particular area.

have a strong grasp

Indicates a solid understanding and control of a subject.

possess extensive knowledge

Indicates a broad and detailed understanding.

comprehend fully

Highlights the complete and thorough understanding of a subject.

FAQs

What does "intimately acquainted" mean?

The phrase "intimately acquainted" means having a deep, personal, and thorough understanding or knowledge of someone or something. It goes beyond a superficial acquaintance.

How can I use "intimately acquainted" in a sentence?

You can use "intimately acquainted" to describe someone's familiarity with a subject, a person, or a process. For example: "She was "intimately acquainted" with the details of the project."

What are some alternatives to "intimately acquainted"?

Some alternatives include "thoroughly acquainted", "deeply familiar", or "closely connected", depending on the specific context.

Is "intimately acquainted" formal or informal?

"Intimately acquainted" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for various contexts, from news articles to academic writing. The level of formality can also vary slightly based on the surrounding text.