intimately familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimately familiar" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that someone is very well acquainted or knowledgeable about something. Example: Maria was intimately familiar with the history of her city, having studied it extensively in college.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Staff scientists are intimately familiar with manufacturing.

The Economist

Now this was something I was shamefully, intimately familiar with.

The New Yorker

It is one with which we are intimately familiar.

The New York Times

Mr. Karadzic was intimately familiar with Serbian epic poetry.

The New York Times

And a lot of her experiences I'm intimately familiar with".

The New Yorker

The agricultural cycle is one Mr. Gardiner is intimately familiar with.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Reuss obviously is a very skilled driver and intimately familiar with the test route.

The New York Times

"I'm becoming intimately familiar with big parts of my dad's life that he never talked about".

The New York Times

The best appraisers are intimately familiar with the neighborhoods they work in.

The New York Times

As a grocer, John A. Catsimatidis (R) is intimately familiar with the soda industry.

The New York Times

"He becomes intimately familiar with what he is about to do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimately familiar" to convey a deep, personal, and experiential understanding, not just superficial knowledge. For instance, say "I'm intimately familiar with the challenges of parenting" instead of "I'm familiar with the concept of parenting".

Common error

Avoid using "intimately familiar" when a simple "familiar" would suffice. The phrase implies a deep, experiential understanding, so don't use it for casual or surface-level knowledge. Instead of "I'm intimately familiar with this restaurant", use "I'm familiar with this restaurant" if you've only been there once.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimately familiar" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the extent of someone's knowledge or experience. It signifies a deep and personal understanding, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intimately familiar" is a versatile expression used to convey a deep and personal understanding or knowledge of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific publications. While synonyms like "well-acquainted with" and "thoroughly versed in" exist, "intimately familiar" emphasizes a more experiential and personal connection. Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight not just knowledge, but a profound and firsthand understanding. Avoid using it in contexts where a simple "familiar" would suffice, as it can sound unnecessarily strong. The data suggests it's more common in news, media and science than social media or wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-acquainted with

Focuses on the level of acquaintance or familiarity, emphasizing knowledge gained through experience.

thoroughly versed in

Highlights expertise and comprehensive knowledge of a subject.

closely acquainted with

Emphasizes a personal connection and deep understanding, often through direct involvement.

deeply knowledgeable about

Stresses the depth of knowledge and understanding regarding a specific topic.

conversant with

Indicates a good understanding and ability to discuss a particular subject.

personally acquainted with

Highlights direct, personal experience that leads to familiarity.

well-versed in

Similar to 'thoroughly versed in', implying comprehensive knowledge and skill.

having a strong grasp of

Emphasizes a firm understanding and control over a concept or subject.

exceedingly familiar with

Highlights extreme familiarity and close connection.

profoundly aware of

Indicates a deep and insightful understanding, often with emotional or ethical implications.

FAQs

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

Use "intimately familiar" to describe a deep, experiential understanding of something. For example, "She is "intimately familiar" with the local culture after living there for many years".

What phrases can I use instead of "intimately familiar"?

You can use phrases like "well acquainted with", "thoroughly versed in", or "closely acquainted with" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am intimately familiar about" something?

No, the correct preposition to use with "intimately familiar" is "with". Say "I am "intimately familiar with"" something.

What's the difference between "familiar with" and "intimately familiar with"?

"Familiar with" suggests a general awareness or understanding, while "intimately familiar with" implies a deeper, more personal, and experiential knowledge.