no stranger to

USAGE SUMMARY

"no stranger to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is very familiar with or experienced in something. For example, "She was no stranger to the complicated legal process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm no stranger to death.

The New York Times

"It's no stranger to me".

The New York Times

Mr. Richwine is no stranger to controversy.

The New York Times

He was no stranger to desperation.

The New York Times - Books

Ennis-Hill is no stranger to injuries.

Independent

Vonn is no stranger to Olympian comebacks.

The New York Times - Sports

*The festival is no stranger to violence.

Independent

Céline himself was no stranger to confinement.

The Guardian

Mr. Khosa is no stranger to controversies.

The New York Times

Margarito is no stranger to controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

The show is no stranger to controversy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no stranger to" to subtly imply that the subject has experience with something, often something challenging or negative, without explicitly stating the details of that experience.

Common error

Avoid using "no stranger to" excessively in very formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound slightly cliché. Consider more direct or precise language depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no stranger to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's familiarity or experience with something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to convey that someone is acquainted with a particular concept or situation. For example, 'He is no stranger to big events.'

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no stranger to" is a common idiom used to express that someone or something is familiar with a particular situation or experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media sources, offering a nuanced way to imply experience without explicitly detailing past events. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overusing it in overly formal contexts. The related phrases, such as "familiar with" and "experienced in", provide alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, allowing for greater flexibility in writing. Ultimately, "no stranger to" is a valuable tool for subtly communicating experience and familiarity in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experienced in

Highlights having practical skill or knowledge due to past involvement.

familiar with

Similar to "no stranger to", but places more emphasis on knowledge than direct experience.

not unaccustomed to

A double negative that softens the assertion of familiarity.

acquainted with

Focuses on being generally aware or informed about something, rather than necessarily experienced.

well-versed in

Indicates a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a topic.

conversant with

Suggests a proficiency in discussing or understanding a particular subject.

accustomed to

Similar to 'used to', but with a stronger sense of acceptance or normalcy.

used to

Implies habituation or adaptation to a situation, rather than specific expertise.

exposed to

Suggests having encountered something, without necessarily implying skill or comfort.

aware of

Focuses on knowledge or consciousness of something, rather than direct participation.

FAQs

How to use "no stranger to" in a sentence?

The phrase "no stranger to" is used to indicate that someone or something is familiar with or has experience in a particular situation. For example, "She is "no stranger to hardship"" means she has experienced hardship before.

What can I say instead of "no stranger to"?

You can use alternatives like "familiar with", "experienced in", or "acquainted with" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not a stranger to" or "no stranger to"?

"No stranger to" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Not a stranger to" is grammatically correct but sounds less natural and is rarely used.

What is the difference between "familiar with" and "no stranger to"?

"Familiar with" generally implies a basic awareness or understanding, while "no stranger to" suggests a deeper experience or repeated exposure. For example, saying someone is "familiar with the law" indicates they have some knowledge of it, but saying they are "no stranger to the courtroom" implies they have been there many times.