intimately familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimately familiar with" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe someone who has a thorough understanding of something. For example, "John is intimately familiar with the sales process, having worked in that department for years."

✓ 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

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

Thanks to HBO, we are intimately familiar with the players' bond.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates how the familiarity was developed, whether through experience, study, or close association.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, using "intimately familiar with" may sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "thoroughly acquainted with" or "deeply versed in" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimately familiar with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of deep understanding or close acquaintance. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimately familiar with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a deep, personal, and comprehensive understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral and professional contexts, with more formal alternatives available for academic writing. It's common in News & Media and Science sources, suggesting its broad applicability. Remember to use it to showcase a level of knowledge that surpasses just basic awareness, implying a close connection and detailed comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closely acquainted with

Focuses on a personal and detailed knowledge.

thoroughly acquainted with

Emphasizes a comprehensive and detailed understanding.

deeply versed in

Highlights expertise and extensive knowledge.

well-versed in

Suggests competence and knowledge gained through experience.

be keenly aware of

Highlights a sharp and perceptive understanding.

have a strong grasp of

Emphasizes a solid and comprehensive understanding.

possess in-depth knowledge of

Highlights the depth and detail of one's understanding.

comprehend extensively

Stresses complete and broad understanding.

possess comprehensive insight into

Highlights a broad and complete understanding of a subject.

understand profoundly

Focuses on a deep level of comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "intimately familiar with" to describe someone's deep understanding or knowledge of something. For example, "The researcher is intimately familiar with the subject matter after years of study."

What are some alternatives to "intimately familiar with"?

Alternatives include "thoroughly acquainted with", "deeply versed in", or "closely acquainted with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "intimately familiar with" or "very familiar with"?

"Intimately familiar with" suggests a deeper and more personal level of understanding compared to "very familiar with". The choice depends on the degree of familiarity you wish to emphasize.

What does it mean to be "intimately familiar with" something?

To be "intimately familiar with" something implies having a comprehensive and personal understanding of it, often gained through extensive experience or study. It goes beyond basic knowledge and suggests a deep connection.