thoroughly familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly familiar with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a deep understanding or knowledge of a particular subject or area. Example: "She is thoroughly familiar with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adequate time must be allotted to become thoroughly familiar with the material and thesis.

Writing for Science and Engineering Papers, Presentations and Reports

However, the researcher must be thoroughly familiar with the methodology and the criteria underpinning its design.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Yang and his patrons, however, were also thoroughly familiar with Buddhist thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He excelled in that role but was not thoroughly familiar with the N.F.L. passing game.

The New York Times - Sports

Hence I am thoroughly familiar with the negotiations, conversations and written agreement that took place.

The New York Times - Books

Informant has observed cocaine on numerous occasions in the past and is thoroughly familiar with its appearance.

Cornell University

Faculty Advisers for GSI Affairs are expected to be thoroughly familiar with the Graduate Council's policies on GSI mentoring.

University of California, Berkeley

"The Haunted Wood" will appeal most of all to readers thoroughly familiar with the previous record of Soviet espionage.

The New York Times - Books

On one hand, the flying public can be helped if inspectors are thoroughly familiar with an airline's record.

The New York Times

It's "like the Beacon Theater and the Met," said Kankuro, who is thoroughly familiar with the New York arts scene.

The New York Times

Astatke's travels had made him thoroughly familiar with the music of both those giants of American music.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly familiar with" when you want to emphasize a deep level of understanding, not just a passing acquaintance. This highlights expertise and competence.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly familiar with" if your actual knowledge is limited or superficial. Overstating your expertise can undermine your credibility. Be honest about the extent of your familiarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly familiar with" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe the extent of someone's knowledge or experience. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and commonly used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly familiar with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a comprehensive understanding or deep knowledge of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. To ensure clarity, always specify the area of knowledge when using the phrase and avoid overstating your familiarity. Alternatives like "well-versed in" or "deeply acquainted with" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-versed in

Replaces "thoroughly familiar" with a more concise adjective phrase indicating expertise.

deeply acquainted with

Emphasizes a personal and profound understanding, adding a nuance of intimacy to the familiarity.

intimately knowledgeable about

Suggests a close and detailed understanding, highlighting the depth of knowledge.

completely conversant with

Indicates the ability to discuss something in detail due to thorough knowledge.

highly experienced in

Shifts the focus to practical experience rather than just knowledge.

proficient in

Highlights skill and competence gained through familiarity.

abreast of

Focuses on staying updated with the latest information, adding a temporal aspect.

au fait with

A more sophisticated and slightly old-fashioned way of saying familiar with.

have a comprehensive grasp of

Emphasizes understanding over mere familiarity, suggesting a structured knowledge.

possess extensive knowledge of

Highlights the breadth and depth of knowledge on the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly familiar with" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly familiar with" to describe someone's deep understanding or expertise in a particular subject. For example, "She is "thoroughly familiar with" the intricacies of corporate law".

What are some alternatives to saying "thoroughly familiar with"?

Alternatives include "well-versed in", "deeply acquainted with", or "intimately knowledgeable about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "familiar with" or "thoroughly familiar with"?

"Thoroughly familiar with" implies a deeper and more comprehensive understanding than simply "familiar with". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of knowledge you want to express.

Can "thoroughly familiar with" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "thoroughly familiar with" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe someone's expertise. You can also use it in business contexts.