we are familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We are familiar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that the people involved in the conversation know about something, have seen it or experienced it before. For example, "We are familiar with the process for enrolling in the new school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are familiar with the criticism of such partnerships.

Harvard Business Review

As leaders and managers, we are familiar with empowering people.

Harvard Business Review

Now, we are familiar with some low-level examples of bodies splitting.

Yale University

(Much speculation, however, was clearly directed toward that more-restricted meaning with which we are familiar).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And when they do, they will look completely different from anything we are familiar with today.

Harvard University

Asked about the report, an Israeli security official told Reuters: "We are familiar with this case".

Independent

"We are familiar with this trope in our business: Mozart, Van Gogh, Tarantino, Eminem," she added.

Independent

We are familiar with the polemics — Should we have gone to war?

The New York Times

Conversely, we underestimate things with which we are familiar – such as head injuries in college football.

University of California, Berkeley

David Burgess Hawkhurst, Kent We are familiar with the floating voter.

The Guardian

"We are familiar with the challenges of displaying Moore's work outdoors.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are familiar" to establish shared understanding or common ground with your audience, indicating that you possess prior knowledge or experience relevant to the topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "we are familiar". Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are familiar" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of knowledge or acquaintance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It indicates that the speakers or writers possess prior knowledge or experience regarding a specific topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are familiar" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate prior knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Its function is to establish shared understanding with an audience, and it's frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and provide sufficient context. Related phrases include "we are aware", "we know about", and "we understand", offering alternatives to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are aware of

Indicates a general knowledge or consciousness of something, not necessarily deep understanding.

we have experience with

Focuses on practical involvement and firsthand knowledge rather than just awareness.

we understand

Implies comprehension and insight, rather than just knowledge.

we are acquainted

Replaces "familiar" with "acquainted", suggesting a formal or distant knowledge.

we have knowledge of

Emphasizes the possession of information about a topic.

we know about

A more informal way of saying "we are familiar with", suitable for casual conversation.

we recognize

Highlights the acknowledgement of something.

we are versed in

Indicates a deep understanding or knowledge of a subject, stronger than just being "familiar".

we are cognizant of

Highlights awareness and understanding, often used in formal or professional settings.

we are conversant with

Suggests a high level of knowledge and ability to discuss something in detail.

FAQs

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

Use "we are familiar" to indicate prior knowledge or experience. For example, "We are familiar with the company's products", or "We are familiar with the challenges of this project".

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

Alternatives include "we are aware", "we know about", or "we understand", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we are familiar" in formal writing?

"We are familiar" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey that you and your audience share a common understanding or background knowledge on a particular subject. Ensure the context is professional and relevant.

What's the difference between "we are familiar" and "we are well-versed"?

"We are familiar" suggests a general knowledge or acquaintance, while "we are well-versed" indicates a deeper, more thorough understanding and expertise.