to familiarize

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "to familiarize" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is usually used to describe a process in which someone learns more about a subject or a skill. For example, "The teacher tasked her students to familiarize themselves with the concepts they would be tested on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've got to familiarize myself with everything and everybody.

The New Yorker

Maybe it's time to familiarize yourself with the truth.

The New Yorker

It's nice to familiarize little children with Seder symbols".

The New York Times

It is our intention to familiarize ourself with the perfume.

The New Yorker

This chapter encourages the reader to familiarize themselves with plastics.

Plastics Inside Out

Talk story designed to familiarize readers with the UN setup.

The New Yorker

General Ledger began to familiarize business managers with microcomputers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Visit the airport ahead of time to familiarize your child.

The New York Times - Travel

Use this ​overview document to familiarize yourself with Zoom.

Yale University

First, they were allowed to familiarize themselves with the maze.

Harvard University

Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the Code.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to familiarize" when you want to emphasize the process of becoming knowledgeable or comfortable with something new. For instance, "Take time to familiarize yourself with the software before the training session."

Common error

Avoid omitting the reflexive pronoun when it's necessary for clarity. For example, say "familiarize yourself with the guidelines", not "familiarize with the guidelines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to familiarize" functions as an infinitive, often used with a reflexive pronoun (e.g., "to familiarize yourself") to indicate the process of becoming acquainted with something. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a verb of action and self-directed learning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to familiarize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of becoming acquainted with something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. Pay attention to using the correct reflexive pronoun and choosing appropriate synonyms based on the level of formality required. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "to familiarize" in your writing to convey the process of gaining knowledge or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To make oneself familiar with

A more emphatic and reflexive form of "to familiarize".

To become acquainted with

Similar to "to acquaint oneself with", but slightly less formal.

To acquaint oneself with

This phrase is a more formal way of saying "to familiarize" and emphasizes the process of getting to know something.

To educate oneself about

Focuses on the learning aspect of becoming familiar.

To get to know

This phrase is more casual and general, implying a basic level of understanding.

To get up to speed on

Suggests quickly learning the essential information about a topic.

To become conversant with

This implies achieving a level of expertise or fluency with a subject.

To brief oneself on

Implies a concise and efficient effort to become informed.

To learn the ropes

This idiom suggests learning the practical aspects of a job or activity.

To get the hang of

Similar to 'learn the ropes', but more informal.

FAQs

How can I use "to familiarize" in a sentence?

You can use "to familiarize" to describe the process of getting acquainted with something. For example, "The training program aims to familiarize new employees with company policies."

What are some alternatives to using "to familiarize"?

Alternatives include "to acquaint oneself with", "to get to know", or "to become conversant with", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "familiarize yourself with" or just "familiarize with"?

It is generally more correct and clearer to use "familiarize yourself with", especially when the subject is performing the action on themselves. Omitting "yourself" can sometimes lead to ambiguity.

What's the difference between "to familiarize" and "to acquaint"?

"To familiarize" implies a process of becoming comfortable and knowledgeable, while "to acquaint" simply means to make someone aware or informed. The former suggests a deeper level of understanding.