not conversant with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not conversant with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of familiarity or knowledge about a particular subject or topic. Example: "She is not conversant with the latest developments in technology, which may hinder her ability to contribute effectively to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The scandals at Enron, WorldCom and ImClone did not occur because executives were not conversant with the difference between teleological and deontological approaches to resolving ethical questions.

The New York Times

For those not conversant with this storied stage oddity, "Moose Murders" is set in a remote lodge in the Adirondacks peopled by as lunatic a collection of characters as has ever been assembled on a stage.

The New York Times

For anyone not conversant with the French charts over the past 60 years, it's like something compiled for a joke by a committee involving Jeremy Clarkson and Nigel Farage.

The Guardian - Music

My mother lies on a camp bed, pitifully doing her best, whatever her best may entail — I was not conversant with the niceties of childbirth when I first pictured this scene.

The New Yorker

A man who has never faced adversity -- who has finessed Andover, Yale, Vietnam and brief careers in business and politics with well-placed connections and sweetheart deals -- is not conversant with reality as most Americans have experienced it.

The New York Times

My mother lies on a camp bed, pitifully doing her best, whatever her best may entail—I was not conversant with the niceties of childbirth when I first pictured this scene.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I don't know if Worstall is extremely bright or not, but he obviously isn't conversant with ecology, also known as the economy of nature.

Huffington Post

And we occasionally get families of some of these unsung heroes who are not conversant in dealing with the press who will say very earnestly, "Please put in 'He died surrounded by everyone he loved,'" and you just kind of say "uh-huh" politely and of course you know that's going to go right on the cutting-room floor.

Vice

The waitress, I soon realized, was not conversant in parent-speak.

The New York Times - Magazine

For those not conversant in baby talk, that's: "Good luck, Grandma".

The Guardian

A translator was used for interviews in households where interviewees were not conversant in English.

Forest Ecosystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider your audience's familiarity with the topic. If they are likely "not conversant with" it, provide sufficient background information.

Common error

Avoid assuming your readers are familiar with technical jargon or specific concepts. If they are "not conversant with" the subject, define key terms to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not conversant with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a lack of familiarity or knowledge. It indicates a state of being uninformed or unacquainted with a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms this through example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not conversant with" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe a lack of familiarity or knowledge. Ludwig AI indicates it as correct. While alternatives like "unfamiliar with" may be more common, "not conversant with" provides a slightly more formal tone. It's primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure your audience understands the concepts you are discussing by providing necessary background information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfamiliar with

A more common and direct way to express a lack of knowledge.

not acquainted with

Suggests a lack of personal experience or introduction to a topic.

not versed in

Implies a lack of deep knowledge or study in a particular area.

unaware of

Focuses on the lack of consciousness or realization about something.

lacking knowledge of

Emphasizes the absence of information or understanding.

not informed about

Highlights the absence of information received.

ignorant of

A stronger term, indicating a complete lack of knowledge.

oblivious to

Suggests unawareness, often implying a lack of attention.

not clued up on

An informal phrase meaning not knowledgeable.

uninstructed in

Implies a lack of formal training or guidance.

FAQs

What does "not conversant with" mean?

The phrase "not conversant with" means not familiar with, not knowledgeable about, or lacking expertise in a particular subject or area.

How can I use "not conversant with" in a sentence?

You can use "not conversant with" to indicate someone's lack of familiarity with a topic. For example, "He is "not conversant with" the latest software updates."

What are some alternatives to "not conversant with"?

Some alternatives include "unfamiliar with", "not acquainted with", or "ignorant of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not familiar with" or "not conversant with"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "unfamiliar with" is more commonly used and may be more easily understood by a wider audience. "Not conversant with" is slightly more formal.