thorough acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thorough acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a deep or comprehensive knowledge of someone or something. Example: "Her thorough acquaintance with the subject matter made her the ideal candidate for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He also gained a thorough acquaintance with the French language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the second episode in what will be at least a trilogy — the third installment is scheduled for release next summer — and full appreciation of its whirligig plot will depend on thorough acquaintance with the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" picture, conveniently available for purchase on DVD.

The New York Times

Lord Lloyd Webber's thorough acquaintance with the canon of 18th- and 19th-century classical music is not in doubt, but his attempt to force a marriage between that tradition and modern musical theater represents a victory of pseudo-populist grandiosity over taste -- an act of cultural butchery akin to turning an aviary of graceful swans and brilliant peacocks into an order of Chicken McNuggets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is the ocean, which we have thorough scientific acquaintance with.

Huffington Post

Thorough profile.

The Guardian - Tech

Scraping: thorough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Delete them," the acquaintance responded.

The New York Times

One Facebook acquaintance suggested "cinesthesia".

The New Yorker

"In-teresting," one acquaintance said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jim Trusdale was a mere acquaintance.

The New Yorker

Pleased to make my acquaintance".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thorough acquaintance" to convey a deep and comprehensive understanding, especially when highlighting long-term exposure or study of a subject. For instance, "His thorough acquaintance with classical literature made him an excellent professor".

Common error

Avoid using "thorough acquaintance" when describing a passing or brief interaction. Use "superficial knowledge" or "slight familiarity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thorough acquaintance" functions as a noun phrase, where "thorough" modifies "acquaintance." It signifies a comprehensive and in-depth understanding or familiarity with someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thorough acquaintance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a deep and comprehensive understanding or familiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in formal and professional contexts, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic sources. Related phrases like "deep familiarity" or "extensive knowledge" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a substantial and sustained engagement with the subject matter, avoiding its application to superficial interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough understanding

A more direct synonym, replacing 'acquaintance' with 'understanding'.

deep familiarity

Focuses more on the depth of understanding rather than the initial meeting.

close familiarity

Emphasizes the closeness of the relationship or understanding.

extensive knowledge

Emphasizes the breadth of information known.

comprehensive understanding

Highlights the completeness of comprehension.

in-depth awareness

Suggests a detailed and profound consciousness of something.

profound insight

Implies a deeper level of understanding, often intuitive.

substantial grasp

Indicates a firm and considerable hold on a subject or concept.

detailed comprehension

Highlights the level of detail in one's understanding.

intimate knowledge

Suggests a very close and personal familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "thorough acquaintance" in a sentence?

You can use "thorough acquaintance" to describe someone's deep knowledge or understanding of a subject. For example, "Her thorough acquaintance with the local laws proved invaluable during the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "thorough acquaintance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "deep familiarity", "extensive knowledge", or "comprehensive understanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "thorough acquaintance with" or "thorough knowledge of"?

Both are correct, but "thorough knowledge of" may be more common in contemporary usage. "Thorough acquaintance with" suggests a prolonged or immersive experience leading to that knowledge.

What is the difference between "thorough acquaintance" and "casual acquaintance"?

"Thorough acquaintance" implies a deep and comprehensive understanding, while "casual acquaintance" suggests a superficial or brief familiarity.