to be acquainted with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be acquainted with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has knowledge of a particular thing or person. For example: I was pleased to be acquainted with so many influential people at the conference.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have already seen that for Russell acquaintance is nonjudgmental or nonpropositional; to be acquainted with something is to be aware of it in a way that does not essentially involve being aware that it is so-and-so.

SEP

Russell and many other acquaintance theorists also take themselves to be acquainted with facts, i.e., with something's having some property at least mental facts (e.g., my being in pain, my desiring food, my experiencing red).

SEP

It is, however, helpful to be acquainted with the antagonists' self-understanding.

The New Yorker

"I don't think you have to be acquainted with that kind of things," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

It is helpful to be acquainted with violence, because the past is violent.

The New Yorker

A fear of brown envelopes is now familiar to anyone unlucky enough to be acquainted with Britain's benefit system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Furthermore, it is not unusual for politicians, celebrities or industrialists in Colombia, long plagued by drugs, to be acquainted with drug dealers.

The New York Times

Having himself elevated character as an issue, the voters have the right to be acquainted with every dimension of that character.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bill Stanton, a security consultant and investigator who has worked for a roster of wealthy clients, said that both Mr. Taubman's and Ms. Brooks's lawyers were likely to be acquainted with minimum-security federal prisons around the country.

The New York Times - Style

According to witnesses and Awakening officials, Colonel Samarrai's assassin, who appeared to be acquainted with the colonel, waited patiently inside the main gate of the offices of the Sunni Endowment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

While White Hart patrons generally were anxious to have local food, meat can be tricky in terms of how well diners want to be acquainted with their meal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be acquainted with", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you mean having knowledge of something or being familiar with someone.

Common error

Avoid using "to be acquainted with" in overly formal or stilted contexts where simpler phrases like "to know" or "to be familiar with" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be acquainted with" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adjective describing a noun, or part of a verb phrase indicating familiarity or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be acquainted with" is a versatile phrase used to express familiarity or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's crucial to consider the context to determine the most appropriate substitute, such as "to be familiar with" or "to have knowledge of". While widely applicable, reserving it for situations that warrant a tone that is either neutral or more formal, will increase clarity. With a strong presence in news, scientific, and wiki sources, "to be acquainted with" remains a valuable tool for conveying understanding and connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be familiar with

Focuses more on having a good understanding of something.

to have knowledge of

Emphasizes possession of information or understanding.

to be conversant with

Suggests a proficiency in discussing a particular topic.

to be versed in

Indicates a deep knowledge and experience in a subject.

to be aware of

Implies a basic understanding or consciousness of something.

to have experience with

Highlights practical involvement and learning.

to be introduced to

Focuses on the initial exposure to something new.

to be no stranger to

Highlights the frequent experience and familiarity with something, often something challenging or negative.

to have a working knowledge of

Implies enough knowledge to use something effectively.

to be clued in on

Suggests being informed about something, often something not widely known.

FAQs

How can I use "to be acquainted with" in a sentence?

You can use "to be acquainted with" to describe familiarity with a person or knowledge of a subject. For example, "It is helpful "to be acquainted with" violence, because the past is violent."

What are some alternatives to "to be acquainted with"?

Some alternatives include "to be familiar with", "to have knowledge of", or "to be aware of", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "to be acquainted with" than "to know"?

Yes, "to be acquainted with" is generally more formal than "to know". Use it when you want to convey a sense of polite or professional familiarity.

Which is correct, "to be acquainted with" or "to become acquainted with"?

"To be acquainted with" describes a state of knowing, while "to become acquainted with" describes the process of getting to know something or someone. Both are correct, but they have different meanings.