was unfamiliar with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was unfamiliar with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of knowledge or experience regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "When I first started the job, I was unfamiliar with the software we were using."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was unfamiliar with both services.

The New York Times

I was unfamiliar with that last one.

The New York Times - Style

She was unfamiliar with Choward's mints.

The New York Times

But Officer Grossman was unfamiliar with the word.

The New York Times

Ms. Mesinai said he was unfamiliar with current events.

The New York Times

Not that Mr. Brody was unfamiliar with intensive preparation.

The New York Times

"I never studied theater and was unfamiliar with the terminology".

The New York Times

I was asked to perform a procedure I was unfamiliar with.

The Guardian

Mr. Hance said he was unfamiliar with the allegations and declined to comment on them.

The New York Times

Mr. Spence has said she was unfamiliar with the New York investments.

The New York Times

South Korea's Ministry of Unification said it was unfamiliar with Son's case.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is unfamiliar with something to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was unfamiliar with" when a stronger term like "misunderstood" or "disagreed with" is more accurate. The phrase should genuinely reflect a lack of prior knowledge, not a difference in interpretation or opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unfamiliar with" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a state of lacking knowledge or experience regarding a specific subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from personal experiences to professional situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was unfamiliar with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of knowledge or experience. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in news, academic, and general contexts. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and choose synonyms like "was unacquainted with" or "had no knowledge of" to suit the specific situation. Avoid using it when a stronger term indicating misunderstanding or disagreement is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unacquainted with

Replaces "unfamiliar" with "unacquainted", suggesting a lack of personal experience or knowledge.

was unaware of

Highlights a lack of consciousness or realization regarding something.

had no knowledge of

Indicates a complete absence of information about something.

didn't know about

A simpler, more informal way of expressing a lack of knowledge.

was ignorant of

Suggests a lack of awareness or understanding, potentially implying a negative connotation.

was oblivious to

Implies a lack of perception or attention towards something, suggesting it might have been obvious to others.

had never encountered

Emphasizes a complete lack of prior experience or exposure to something.

was new to

Indicates recent exposure or introduction to something.

lacked experience in

Focuses on the absence of practical skill or expertise in a particular area.

was a stranger to

Implies a lack of familiarity and possibly discomfort or alienation.

FAQs

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

You can use "was unfamiliar with" to indicate a lack of knowledge or experience regarding a particular topic. For example, "She was unfamiliar with the local customs when she first arrived".

What are some alternatives to "was unfamiliar with"?

Alternatives include "was unacquainted with", "had no knowledge of", or "was unaware of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was unfamiliar with" or "didn't know about"?

"Was unfamiliar with" is generally more formal and polite. "Didn't know about" is more informal and suitable for casual conversation. The best choice depends on the context and your audience.

What's the difference between "was unfamiliar with" and "was ignorant of"?

"Was unfamiliar with" simply indicates a lack of knowledge. "Was ignorant of" /s/was+ignorant+of implies a lack of knowledge that is potentially blameworthy or undesirable, suggesting a need to be better informed.