we were familiar with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were familiar with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you have knowledge or experience regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "Before starting the project, we were familiar with the challenges that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

In Hitchcock films, Cary Grant and James Stewart played average men in serious predicaments, but we were familiar with the two actors as highly stylized, invincible stars, and that familiarity allowed us to relish the movies as fanciful adventures.

The New Yorker

We were familiar with the sentiments.

The New York Times

We were familiar with a number of them.

The New York Times

We were familiar with taro root, a potatolike bulb with white flesh.

The New York Times

By then, for instance, we were familiar with conceptualism, that other bugbear of the media.

The Guardian - Arts

We were familiar with the late Herman Kahn's scenario approach and were intrigued by its possibilities for corporate planning.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

We're familiar with each other".

The New York Times - Sports

Switzerland we're familiar with.

The Guardian - Sport

We're familiar with this strategy.

MIT Technology Review

We're familiar with this framework.

The Guardian

"We're familiar with filing financial reports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were familiar with" to establish a sense of prior knowledge or experience, adding credibility and context to your writing. This phrase is useful when explaining why a particular approach or decision was made.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "we were familiar with" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "we possessed prior knowledge of" or "we had established expertise in" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were familiar with" functions as a declarative statement expressing prior knowledge or experience. It typically introduces context or justification for subsequent actions or decisions. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use across varied fields to establish background understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we were familiar with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express prior knowledge or experience, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it serves to provide context and background information. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain academic contexts. Remember to use this phrase to establish credibility and justify decisions by highlighting previous understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we had knowledge of

Focuses on possessing information about something.

we were acquainted with

Implies a personal or professional association with something.

we had experience with

Highlights practical involvement or exposure to something.

we were conversant with

Suggests a deep understanding or expertise in a subject.

we were cognizant of

Emphasizes awareness and understanding of something.

we were informed about

Indicates that information was received about a topic.

we had insight into

Suggests a deeper understanding or perception of something.

we were versed in

Implies skill or knowledge acquired through study or experience.

we were no strangers to

Highlights that something was a common or known occurrence.

we knew about

A more informal way of saying we had information about something.

FAQs

What does "we were familiar with" mean?

The phrase "we were familiar with" indicates that a group had prior knowledge, experience, or understanding of something. It suggests acquaintance or awareness of a particular subject, method, or situation.

How can I use "we were familiar with" in a sentence?

You can use "we were familiar with" to explain a past understanding or experience. For example: "We were familiar with the software, so the transition was smooth." or "Since we were familiar with the area, we didn't need a map."

What can I say instead of "we were familiar with"?

You can use alternatives like "we had knowledge of", "we were acquainted with", or "we had experience with" depending on the context.

Is "we are familiar with" the same as "we were familiar with"?

No, "we are familiar with" implies a present understanding or knowledge, whereas "we were familiar with" indicates a past understanding or knowledge. Use "we are familiar with" for current situations and "we were familiar with" for past experiences.