natural with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a harmonious or instinctive relationship between two things, often in the context of compatibility or ease of use. Example: "The new software feels very natural with the existing system, making the transition seamless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's also a natural with bouillabaisse.

The New York Times

I was always struggling to be natural with my hands.

The New Yorker

He – Paxman – isn't the most natural with civilians.

The Guardian - Arts

I like merging the natural with the synthetic.

The Guardian - Music

Östlund is a natural with the female gaze.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's all natural, with 92 percent raw ingredients.

The New York Times

"The idea is to be more natural with each other".

The New York Times

Nascar is a Fox natural, with its crashes, speed, crashes, loud noises and crashes.

The New York Times - Sports

Irene was a natural with the birds, and they obviously adored her.

The New York Times

Neither man is a TV natural, with or without Botox, no matter what boots they're wearing.

The New York Times - Arts

They take the piss out of you, they're natural with you, just great.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "natural with" to describe someone who seems to instinctively understand or excel at something. It implies an innate talent or ease that doesn't require significant effort.

Common error

Avoid using "natural with" when describing skills acquired through extensive training or practice. Instead, reserve it for situations where the ability seems inherent or intuitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural with" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, often describing an inherent skill, talent, or compatibility. Ludwig confirms its use in describing someone's innate abilities or something's inherent suitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "natural with" is a commonly used phrase to describe an inherent skill, talent, or compatibility. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, showcasing its versatility. When using "natural with", remember that it implies an innate ability rather than a learned skill, as highlighted in the writing guidance. Consider using alternatives like "adept at" or "compatible with" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compatible with

Focuses on harmonious coexistence or effective combination.

comfortable with

Indicates ease and familiarity, not necessarily innate ability.

well-suited for

Emphasizes suitability and compatibility for a role or task.

adept with

Emphasizes proficiency, rather than natural inclination.

at ease with

Highlights comfort and confidence, less about natural talent.

a knack for

Highlights a specific, often intuitive skill.

gifted at

Focuses on innate talent or ability, rather than compatibility.

talented in

Highlights inherent skill, differing from compatibility.

proficient in

Highlights developed skill and expertise.

inclined toward

Suggests a preference or tendency, less about demonstrated skill.

FAQs

How can I use "natural with" in a sentence?

You can use "natural with" to describe someone or something that has an innate ability or compatibility, like "She is a "natural with" children" or "This wine is a "natural with" seafood".

What are some alternatives to "natural with"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "talented in", "adept at", or "compatible with" as alternatives to "natural with".

Is it correct to say someone is "natural at" something, or should it always be "natural with"?

While both "natural at" and "natural with" are used, "natural with" often implies a harmonious relationship or inherent compatibility. "Natural at" typically refers to a skill or ability.

What does it mean when someone is described as "natural with" something?

It means they exhibit an inherent ease, skill, or compatibility. It suggests that the person or thing seems to have an innate understanding or ability related to that something.