not familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

"not familiar with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as part of a larger sentence that indicates that one has no knowledge or experience with a certain thing or concept. For example: I'm not familiar with the rules of cricket, so can you explain them to me?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not familiar with him?

The New York Times

Not familiar with Noisey?

The Guardian

Not familiar with telomeres?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm not familiar with the franchise".

The New York Times - Sports

"Not familiar with that one," says Jimmy.

The New York Times

I'm not familiar with that term.

The New Yorker

Not familiar with the Orwellian Bone?

The New York Times

Am not familiar with a Ramos Fizz.

The New York Times

Not familiar with the sport?

The Washington Post

… I'm not familiar with them".

The Guardian

I am not familiar with the citation.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not familiar with" when you want to politely express a lack of knowledge or experience about a specific topic, concept, or person.

Common error

While both phrases convey a lack of knowledge, using "unfamiliar with" can sometimes sound more formal or distant. "Not familiar with" is generally perceived as more approachable and conversational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not familiar with" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating a state of unfamiliarity or lack of knowledge. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common and correct expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not familiar with" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of knowledge or experience, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adjectival phrase, politely indicating unfamiliarity. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news articles to academic discussions. Common alternatives include "unacquainted with" and "unaware of". Remember, while "unfamiliar with" exists, "not familiar with" is often perceived as more conversational.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no knowledge of

A straightforward way to state a complete lack of knowledge.

know nothing about

Emphasizes a complete absence of knowledge on a subject.

unacquainted with

A more formal synonym, indicating a lack of personal knowledge or experience.

have never heard of

Indicates a complete lack of prior exposure to something.

have no experience with

Focuses on a lack of practical involvement or direct exposure.

unaware of

Focuses on a lack of awareness or information about something.

not conversant with

Suggests a lack of expertise or detailed knowledge.

not versed in

Similar to "not conversant with", implying a lack of skill or knowledge through study or experience.

ignorant of

Implies a lack of knowledge, sometimes with a negative connotation.

oblivious to

Highlights a lack of perception or attention to something.

FAQs

What does "not familiar with" mean?

The phrase "not familiar with" indicates a lack of knowledge or experience about something. It's a polite way of saying you don't know much about a particular topic, person, or thing.

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

You can use "not familiar with" to express your lack of knowledge. For example, "I'm "not familiar with" that author's work, but I'd like to learn more."

What can I say instead of "not familiar with"?

Alternatives include "unacquainted with", "unaware of", or "have no knowledge of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I'm not familiar with" or "I'm unfamiliar with"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "I'm "not familiar with"" is generally considered more conversational, while "I'm unfamiliar with" might sound slightly more formal.