more familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

"more familiar with" is an appropriate expression to use in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has become more knowledgeable about or better acquainted with something. For example: "After spending several months in Spain, Jack became more familiar with the local language and culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police agencies became more familiar with it.

The New York Times

I'm more familiar with braids.

The Guardian

I'm more familiar with that world.

The Guardian

They become more familiar with it.

The Guardian

I'm more familiar with freshwater fish behaviour.

The Guardian

"It's not about me getting more familiar with Stephon, me getting more familiar with Allan Houston.

The New York Times - Sports

That might be how you're more familiar with cyanide.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Should Indians be more familiar with post-revolutionary Iranian literature?

The New Yorker

I was more familiar with the figurative Indian tradition.

The New York Times

He's now more familiar with the "Ring" than ever.

The New York Times - Arts

You're probably more familiar with Mr. Selman than you think.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more familiar with" when you want to indicate a growing understanding or comfort level with a specific topic, skill, or environment. For example, "After the training, the employees became more familiar with the new software."

Common error

Avoid using "familiar to" when you mean "familiar with". "Familiar to" indicates that someone or something is recognizable to someone else, whereas "familiar with" indicates knowledge or experience. For instance, "The concept was familiar to her" (she recognized it) vs. "She was more familiar with the concept" (she understood it well).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more familiar with" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject to indicate a state of increased knowledge or acquaintance. It's used to describe a comparative level of understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples, demonstrating its role in conveying a progression of familiarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more familiar with" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express an increasing level of understanding or comfort with a subject. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. When using the phrase, remember that it highlights an enhanced state of knowledge and is distinct from "familiar to", which indicates recognition. To broaden your writing, consider alternatives such as "better acquainted with" or "more conversant with" based on the nuance you intend to convey. Be aware that Ludwig confirms the appropriateness of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better acquainted with

Emphasizes the process of getting to know something or someone, suggesting a developing relationship.

more conversant with

Highlights the ability to discuss something knowledgeably, implying a level of expertise.

more accustomed to

Suggests a growing sense of comfort or habituation with something.

more knowledgeable about

Focuses specifically on an increase in information and understanding.

better versed in

Implies a thorough understanding and mastery of a subject.

more at home with

Indicates a feeling of comfort and ease with something, often a skill or environment.

more experienced in

Highlights practical knowledge gained through direct involvement.

more attuned to

Suggests a heightened sensitivity or awareness of something.

having a stronger grasp of

Emphasizes a firm and comprehensive understanding of a concept.

increasingly aware of

Highlights a growing consciousness or understanding of a situation or issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "more familiar with" to show an increasing understanding or comfort. For example, "The students became "more familiar with" the subject matter after the lecture."

What's the difference between "familiar with" and "knowledgeable about"?

"Familiar with" implies a general understanding or acquaintance, while "knowledgeable about" suggests a deeper, more comprehensive understanding. You might be "familiar with" a topic, but "knowledgeable about" requires a more in-depth understanding.

What can I say instead of "more familiar with" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "better acquainted with", "more conversant with", or "better versed in" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more familiar to" instead of "more familiar with"?

No, "more familiar to" has a different meaning than "more familiar with". "Familiar to" means something is recognizable, while "familiar with" means you have knowledge or experience. For instance, "The song was familiar to me" (I recognized it) is different from "I am "more familiar with" the song" (I know it well).