unfamiliar with

USAGE SUMMARY

'unfamiliar with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that you do not know or are not familiar with. Example: I was unfamiliar with the new software, so I had to take some time to learn how to use it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfamiliar with Wikipedia?

Cornell University

Many immigrants were unfamiliar with preventive medicine.

The New York Times

I am pretty unfamiliar with the ICJ.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ryan was unfamiliar with it.

The New York Times

Mrs. Roman, unfamiliar with the neighborhood, balked.

The New York Times

Smarter Living: Unfamiliar with podcasts?

The New York Times

Still, most Americans were unfamiliar with it.

The Washington Post

I am not unfamiliar with the city.

The New York Times

He was unfamiliar with both services.

The New York Times

She's nervous, apprehensive, unfamiliar with it all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was unfamiliar with that last one.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfamiliar with", clearly state what the subject lacks familiarity with to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I am unfamiliar", specify "I am unfamiliar with this software".

Common error

Avoid replacing "with" with other prepositions like "to" or "in" after "unfamiliar". The correct form is always "unfamiliar with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfamiliar with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of knowledge or experience. This is evident in Ludwig examples such as "I am unfamiliar with the ICJ" or "Most consumers are unfamiliar with Applejack".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfamiliar with" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a lack of knowledge or experience. As Ludwig AI states, it is perfectly usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and science. To enhance clarity, specify the subject the speaker is "unfamiliar with". While alternatives like "not acquainted with" or "unaware of" exist, "unfamiliar with" remains a widely understood and versatile choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no knowledge of

A straightforward way of saying someone doesn't know something.

unaware of

Focuses on the lack of awareness rather than the lack of knowledge or skill.

not acquainted with

Uses a more formal tone and implies a lack of personal knowledge or experience.

not conversant with

Implies a lack of fluency or ease in discussing a particular topic.

unversed in

Suggests a lack of formal training or knowledge in a particular subject.

new to

Suggests a recent introduction to something, implying a lack of experience.

ignorant of

Indicates a lack of awareness or knowledge, which can sometimes be perceived as negative.

lacking experience in

Directly states the absence of practical experience.

not in the know about

An informal expression indicating a lack of secret or specialized knowledge.

strange to

Emphasizes that the topic or situation is alien and unknown to the person.

FAQs

How can I use "unfamiliar with" in a sentence?

Use "unfamiliar with" to describe a lack of knowledge or experience regarding something. For example, "I am "unfamiliar with" the local customs".

What can I say instead of "unfamiliar with"?

You can use alternatives like "not acquainted with", "unaware of", or "have no knowledge of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unfamiliar to" or "unfamiliar with"?

"Unfamiliar with" is the correct and widely accepted usage. "Unfamiliar to" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

When is it appropriate to use "unfamiliar with"?

Use "unfamiliar with" when you want to express that someone lacks knowledge or experience about a particular topic, subject, or skill.