you are acquainted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you are acquainted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone having knowledge or familiarity with another person or thing. Example: "I believe you are acquainted with my colleague, Sarah, from the conference last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He asked you if you are acquainted with this man.

Cornell University

You are acquainted with such people; quite possibly you are one of them.

The New York Times

It's a program with many features, but easy enough to run if you are acquainted with other Windows software.

The New York Times - Travel

You might even feel smug (something tells me it is a sensation with which you are acquainted).

The Guardian - Opinion

Next, repeat the phrases and positive intentions while focusing on a person with whom you are acquainted at work, but don't know well.

Harvard Business Review

FLOTTENRICHTER KRANZBUEHLER: You are acquainted with the case of Kapitanleutnant Eck, who after sinking the Greek steamer Peleus in the spring of 1944 actually fired on life boats.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

When you are acquainting yourself with others, and you are telling people about yourself, bring up how your beliefs are very important to you.

WikiHow

C: You're acquainted with Daffy Duck?

The New Yorker

"I assume you were acquainted with her?" says the first man.

The New Yorker

If you're acquainted with Cunningham's work, you can see much of what Mr. Petronio has learned from it (and not just from "RainForest").

The New York Times - Arts

If you're acquainted with the story of Icarus, you know that these prideful efforts don't tend to end well.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you are acquainted" when referring to a non-intimate relationship, such as a business contact, work colleague, or casual acquaintance. This avoids the implication of a closer friendship that "you know" might suggest.

Common error

Avoid using "you are acquainted" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "you know" or "you've met" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you are acquainted" functions as a statement or a question designed to ascertain whether someone has a basic level of familiarity with a person, concept, or thing. As confirmed by Ludwig, its structure is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

25%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "you are acquainted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to inquire about or state someone's familiarity with a subject. Ludwig confirms that its register is generally neutral to formal, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly news, academic, and wiki settings. While simpler alternatives may exist for informal conversations, "you are acquainted" offers a precise way to express a level of familiarity or introduction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you are familiar with

This alternative emphasizes knowledge and understanding of a topic or person.

you know

A more casual and general way to express familiarity.

you have met

Focuses specifically on a previous introduction or encounter.

you are conversant with

Suggests a more in-depth and knowledgeable understanding.

you have knowledge of

Highlights the possession of information about something.

you are no stranger to

Implies frequent or significant exposure to something.

you are aware of

Indicates consciousness or recognition of a fact or situation.

you are informed about

Emphasizes the receipt of information regarding a particular subject.

you recognize

Highlights the ability to identify or remember someone or something.

you have experience with

Indicates practical involvement or exposure to a specific activity or situation.

FAQs

What's a more casual way to say "you are acquainted"?

In informal settings, you can use alternatives like "you know", "you've met", or "are you familiar with" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "you are acquainted" in a formal sentence?

Use "you are acquainted with" followed by the person, concept, or thing you are referring to. For example, "I trust you are acquainted with the terms of the agreement" or "I believe you are acquainted with Dr. Smith".

What's the difference between "you are acquainted" and "you are familiar"?

"You are acquainted" implies a basic level of knowledge or introduction, while "you are familiar" suggests a deeper understanding or experience. You might be acquainted with someone you've just met, but familiar with a topic you've studied extensively.

When is it appropriate to use "you are acquainted" instead of "you know"?

"You are acquainted" is more formal and suitable when you want to suggest a professional or distant relationship. "You know" is better for casual conversations or when referring to information you expect the other person to possess.