is ignorant of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is ignorant of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone lacks knowledge or awareness about a particular subject or issue. Example: "She is ignorant of the recent developments in the field of technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dietrich et al. assert (without supporting citation) that the proposed legal framework deliberately ignores or is ignorant of time-tested principles of the science of toxicology that have been universally accepted for centuries [ 2].

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Of course, the audience is ignorant of the ellipsis's existence.

Independent

The truth of this no man of our time is ignorant of.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But Giuliani, who reportedly wants it, is ignorant of foreign affairs.

The Washington Post

It usually works, if the recipient is ignorant of its source.

The New York Times

He is not blind to his destiny, but he is ignorant of history, and of his class's effect on it.

The New Yorker

Sarah's husband, Henry, who is ignorant of the affair, approaches Bendrix about his wife's infidelity with "a third man".

The Guardian - Books

"Any accusation that it's partisan and of-the-moment is ignorant of the history," Epstein told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, she is ignorant of the health risks to herself and family by drinking such unclean, unsafe water.

The Guardian

Intriguingly, farmers also often claim that the community is ignorant of their growing interest in animal welfare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her hair spills from her bun; she is shapeless and badly dressed; she is ignorant of the world.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is ignorant of", ensure clarity by specifying what the subject lacks knowledge of. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "is ignorant of" when "is misinformed about" or "lacks access to information about" would be more accurate. Sometimes, a lack of knowledge stems from circumstance rather than inherent failing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is ignorant of" functions as a stative verb phrase followed by a preposition, describing a state of lacking knowledge or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. Examples show it used to describe a person's lack of understanding or awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is ignorant of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of knowledge or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, so it's important to choose your words carefully. Consider using alternatives like "is unaware of" or "lacks knowledge of" for a more neutral tone. Be sure to clearly specify what the subject is ignorant of to avoid any ambiguity. By being mindful of these nuances, you can use "is ignorant of" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unaware of

Replaces "ignorant" with "unaware", suggesting a lack of knowledge without necessarily implying a negative judgment.

has no knowledge of

Emphasizes the complete absence of knowledge regarding something.

is uninformed about

Suggests a lack of information, implying that the person could benefit from being educated on the matter.

is oblivious to

Implies a lack of awareness or attention, suggesting that the person is not noticing something important.

is unacquainted with

Indicates a lack of familiarity or experience with something.

lacks understanding of

Highlights a deficiency in comprehension or insight.

is blind to

Uses a metaphor to suggest a complete inability to see or understand something, often implying a deliberate refusal to acknowledge it.

is in the dark about

Informal expression indicating a lack of information or awareness.

is clueless about

Informal expression indicating a total lack of knowledge or understanding, often used in a dismissive way.

doesn't have a clue about

Even more informal than "clueless", conveying a strong sense of ignorance or incompetence.

FAQs

How can I use "is ignorant of" in a sentence?

You can use "is ignorant of" to indicate someone's lack of knowledge about a particular subject. For example, "He is ignorant of the complexities of the political system."

What are some alternatives to "is ignorant of"?

Some alternatives include "is unaware of", "lacks knowledge of", or "is uninformed about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is ignorant of" or "is unaware of"?

While both phrases express a lack of knowledge, "is unaware of" is often perceived as more neutral, whereas "is ignorant of" can sometimes sound critical. The best choice depends on the context and your intended tone.

What's the difference between "is ignorant of" and "is oblivious to"?

"Is ignorant of" implies a lack of knowledge, while "is oblivious to" suggests a lack of awareness or attention to something, even if the knowledge is available. For example, someone might be ignorant of a historical event but oblivious to the warning signs of an impending problem.