we are acquainted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are acquainted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a familiarity or knowledge of someone, typically in a social context. Example: "Although we are acquainted, I don't know much about your background or interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Elementarism has sometimes been defended by appealing to something like Russell's principle of acquaintance, understood as the tenet that only things with which we are acquainted should be thought to exist, together with the claim that we are acquainted with first-order properties but not with those of any higher orders.

SEP

We are acquainted with a woman whose station wagon brakes failed one morning as she was nearing the busiest street on Martha's Vineyard.

The New Yorker

"We are acquainted with a mere pellicle of the globe on which we live," writes Thoreau, "We know not where we are".

The Guardian - Books

We are acquainted with an interesting and puzzling realm of experience: the realm of the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, and the elegant; of taste, criticism, and fine art; and of contemplation, sensuous enjoyment, and charm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the most recent version, Roman Polanski's "The Pianist," we are acquainted with the fate of an upper-bourgeois family in Warsaw from 1939 to 1945, and particularly with the story of the family's musical son, Wladyslaw (or Wladek) Szpilman, a real-life piano virtuoso and composer who regularly played Chopin on Polish radio.

The New Yorker

But several dozen may be seen at ground level at the 1897 Bowling Green Building at 5-11 Broadway;  The Real Estate Record and Guide archly sniffed that it had  "more anthemia than any other work with which we are acquainted".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We're acquainted with the Under-Secretary.

The New Yorker

"It's very odd to see them in our midst, but we're acquainted," Chaibou added.

The Guardian

We're acquainted outside of the show!" twist, the criticisms of others' motives ― predate similar plot devices on "The Bachelor".

Huffington Post

"I think somebody asked him to help her set that meeting knowing that we were acquainted with the Trump family.

Vice

I had worked with him before as a technical advisor on The Abyss, so we were acquainted when he was doing his documentaries on Titanic and Bismarck.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are acquainted", ensure the context clarifies the nature and extent of the acquaintance, providing details where necessary. For example, "We are acquainted through professional circles".

Common error

Avoid using "we are acquainted" when a stronger term like "we are friends" or a weaker term like "we have met once" would be more accurate. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are acquainted" primarily functions as a statement of relationship or familiarity. It indicates that the speakers have some level of knowledge or awareness of each other or a particular subject. This is supported by the examples Ludwig provides, which show the phrase used to describe existing relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are acquainted" is a grammatically correct expression indicating a degree of familiarity between individuals or with a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable and serves to establish a connection without implying a close relationship. While "we are acquainted" appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it's important to understand that the level of familiarity is not necessarily of a personal kind. Alternatives such as "we know each other" or "we are familiar with" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired nuance. As such, ensure that the usage aligns with the actual level of connection to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we know each other

Replaces "are acquainted" with a more direct expression of mutual knowledge.

we are familiar with each other

Substitutes "acquainted" with "familiar" to emphasize a level of understanding and recognition.

we have met before

Indicates a previous meeting or encounter.

we are conversant with

Emphasizes familiarity and knowledge, particularly in a formal or professional context.

we are cognizant of

Highlights an awareness or understanding of something.

we are aware of

Expresses a basic level of knowledge or understanding.

we have knowledge of

Focuses on possessing information or understanding.

we understand

Conveys a clear comprehension of a subject or situation.

we are no strangers to

Indicates a lack of unfamiliarity with something.

we are versed in

Suggests experience and proficiency in a particular area.

FAQs

What does "we are acquainted" mean?

The phrase "we are acquainted" means that there is some level of familiarity or knowledge between people, often implying they have met or know of each other, but without suggesting a close relationship.

How can I use "we are acquainted" in a sentence?

You can use "we are acquainted" to describe a relationship: "We are acquainted, but I don't know him well." It can also describe familiarity with a subject: "We are acquainted with the challenges of the project."

What's the difference between "we are acquainted" and "we are friends"?

"We are friends" implies a closer, more personal relationship. "We are acquainted" suggests a more casual or formal connection, often based on a single meeting or shared association. You might say "we know each other", but we are not necessarily close.

What can I say instead of "we are acquainted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "we know each other", "we are familiar with", or "we have met before". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.