is familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

"is familiar with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to have knowledge or experience in a particular subject, topic, or skill. Example: "John is familiar with the company's policies and procedures, having worked there for over 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Franzen, too, is familiar with envy.

Independent

Pepsi is familiar with the local risks.

The New York Times

Nike is familiar with doping scandals.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. McElroen is familiar with bold programming.

The New York Times

She is familiar with pain.

The New York Times

Chierchia is familiar with the Boston area.

Harvard University

Thus he is familiar with Exhibit 300s.

The Washington Post

Dr. Wilkens is familiar with that pattern.

The New York Times

The society is familiar with strange twists.

The New York Times

Mr. Heinegg is familiar with racial prejudice.

The New York Times

Dr. Collins is familiar with this instruction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is familiar with" when you want to convey that someone has a working knowledge or experience of a particular topic or skill. It suggests a level of comfort and understanding gained through exposure.

Common error

Avoid using "is familiar with" when you actually mean someone is an expert. Familiarity implies a basic understanding, while expertise suggests a higher level of skill and knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is familiar with" functions as a predicate adjective followed by a preposition, modifying the subject by describing their level of knowledge or experience regarding a particular topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is familiar with" is a versatile expression used to indicate knowledge or experience of a particular subject. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While related phrases like "has knowledge of" or "is acquainted with" exist, they may not always capture the same nuance of experienced understanding. Remember to use "is familiar with" when you want to convey a comfortable level of understanding gained through exposure, but avoid using it when expertise is more appropriate. Ultimately, "is familiar with" serves as a valuable tool for expressing one's understanding or exposure to a given subject or skill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is experienced in

This focuses on the experiential aspect of familiarity, highlighting practical knowledge gained over time.

has knowledge of

This alternative directly states the possession of knowledge, which is a core component of familiarity, but omits the experiential aspect.

is conversant with

Indicates a capacity to discuss something intelligently, suggesting a practical and active familiarity.

is well-versed in

Implies a deep and comprehensive understanding, potentially exceeding the level of familiarity.

is acquainted with

This suggests a less in-depth understanding compared to "is familiar with", implying a basic level of awareness.

has a grasp of

This suggests a good understanding and control over a topic, indicating more than just familiarity.

is no stranger to

This implies significant exposure or experience, often with something challenging or negative.

has encountered

Highlights past experiences with something, suggesting a potentially brief or limited familiarity.

understands

This is a more general term that lacks the specific implication of experience that "is familiar with" carries.

is cognizant of

This suggests awareness or consciousness of something, which doesn't necessarily imply experience or understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "is familiar with" to indicate that someone has knowledge or experience of something. For example: "The project manager "is familiar with" Agile methodologies."

What are some alternatives to "is familiar with"?

You can use alternatives such as "is acquainted with", "has knowledge of", or "is experienced in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is familiar with" or "is familiar to"?

"Is familiar with" is used to describe someone who has knowledge or experience of something. "Is familiar to" describes something that is recognizable or well-known. For example: "She "is familiar with" the software." versus "That song "is familiar to" me."

What's the difference between "is familiar with" and "is comfortable with"?

"Is familiar with" implies knowledge or experience, while "is comfortable with" suggests ease and confidence in using or handling something. One can be familiar without being comfortable, and vice versa.