we became acquainted

USAGE SUMMARY

"we became acquainted" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest that two people got to know each other or became familiar with each other over a period of time. For example, "After working together for several months, we became acquainted with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

After we became acquainted on the larger conference-room system, she invited me to reconnect on the smaller ViaVideo unit on a PC.

The New York Times

We became acquainted last winter when I wrote a story about the Biopolis, and have since corresponded on subjects of mutual interest developing human capital, fostering creativity and the pleasures of Singaporean cuisine.

Forbes

Bob is a retired IRS appeals officer who follows the parsonage exclusion issue very closely, which is how we became acquainted, can be very persuasive, but I reserve my journeys off the tax reservation for my own obsessions.

Forbes

We became acquainted with the indomitable will that burns beneath Federer's effortless grace.

Huffington Post

The sound of the word penis is so cringe-worthy that despite the fact that we became acquainted with Cooley's, the word is still too uncomfortable to read.

Huffington Post

Although classified as tourists and required to stay nights at the designated tourist hotel, those with whom we became acquainted were allowed to break away from the tour schedule to spend days with loved ones and friends and were even granted extensions of their visas.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When a disaster strikes, we become acquainted, or reacquainted, with the part of the world that has been stricken.

The New Yorker

In this milieu, we become acquainted with Nicholas Morath, a sexually vigorous yet diffident Hungarian expatriate who resents Hitler's threat to Hungarian independence and the growth of the fascist movement in his country.

The New York Times - Books

What is extraordinary and unsettling about O'Brien's novel is the way that it begins in an atmosphere of something approaching pastoral comedy, and steadily darkens as we become acquainted with the buried but unrepressed war crimes of the town's resident trickster.

The New Yorker

The complex is to be one with which we are acquainted; the analysis is complete when we become acquainted with all the constituents and with their manner of combination, and know that there are no more constituents and that that is their manner of combination.

SEP

Hume emphasizes the foundational nature of this project: "There is no question of importance, whose decision is not comprised in the science of man; and there is none, which can be decided with any certainty, before we become acquainted with that science.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing "we became acquainted", ensure the context clearly indicates the relationship or familiarity that developed. It often implies a degree of personal connection or understanding beyond a mere introduction.

Common error

Avoid using "we became acquainted" when you mean to convey a deep friendship. "Acquainted" suggests a more superficial or initial level of familiarity, not necessarily a close bond.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we became acquainted" functions as a narrative expression, describing the commencement of a relationship or a state of familiarity between individuals. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is generally accepted and used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we became acquainted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe the beginning of a relationship or familiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptance and usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While "we became acquainted" is suitable for describing initial connections, it's important not to confuse it with stronger bonds like friendship. Alternatives such as "we got to know each other" or "we made each other's acquaintance" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we got to know each other

Focuses on the process of understanding and learning about another person.

we came to know each other

Focuses on the gradual process of getting acquainted.

we made each other's acquaintance

More formal and emphasizes the act of formally meeting.

we developed a familiarity

Suggests a growing comfort and understanding between individuals.

we were introduced

Highlights the act of being presented to each other, often by a third party.

we formed a connection

Emphasizes establishing a bond or rapport.

we established a relationship

Indicates the beginning of a more formal or defined association.

we started knowing each other

A less formal way of describing the start of a familiar relationship.

we familiarized ourselves with each other

Highlights becoming comfortable and knowledgeable about one another.

we crossed paths

Indicates a casual or chance encounter that led to further interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "we became acquainted" to describe the beginning of a relationship. For example, "We became acquainted during a conference and later collaborated on a project."

What is a more formal way to say "we became acquainted"?

A more formal alternative is "we made each other's acquaintance", which implies a more structured or official introduction.

Is it correct to say "we got acquainted" instead of "we became acquainted"?

Yes, "we got acquainted" is a less formal but equally correct alternative to "we became acquainted".

What is the difference between "we became acquainted" and "we became friends"?

"We became acquainted" suggests a basic level of familiarity and initial connection, whereas "we became friends" implies a deeper bond and emotional connection.