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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I am not well versed

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I am not well versed" is grammatically correct and it can be used in written English
You can use it when you want to express that you do not possess a lot of knowledge or skill in a certain area. For example: "I am not well versed in the world of investing, so I’ve decided to hire a financial advisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I am not well versed in classical music; had I not heard the announcer, I would have guessed it was something contemporary — even composed this very day.

News & Media

The New York Times

That being said, when I shop for tech items I generally go to the same few sites, either to confirm the choice I reached on my own or to help guide me to a choice if I am not well versed in the category.

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I'm not well versed in the stock market," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

MICHAEL PERRONE: So I believe, and I'm not well versed in all of the processors that are out there.

The engineers at In Demand deduced that I was not well versed in 3-D viewing and gave me a primer by screening a few of their more action-packed videos.

And while I've read modern-day adventures of Thunderbolt, and knew his real name was Peter Cannon, I was not well versed in his back story: he was the son of two Western relief workers who worked and died in Tibet while battling a plague.

But because I had assumed my pregnancy would be normal, I was not well versed in the facts, or the unpredictable nature, of obstetrics -- a field in which one of the two patients is separated from the doctor by a wall of flesh and blood.

News & Media

The New York Times

I think about those things, but I'm not well versed at articulating them in anything besides film making itself.

News & Media

Vice

I don't consider myself an educator, though, in that I'm not well versed in educational philosophy, so I'm not sure it's a good fit for our family, and for me in particular.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I remember her way of putting it, warning me: "He's a heavy piece of furniture". I was somewhat insecure about the idea of meeting him since I wasn't well versed in his work, but, of course, I called him to make an appointment, saying I'd like to come to his apartment in the Upper East Side to introduce myself.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I am not well-versed with law … That is why the defence, from the husband or whatever, they try to find something weak in our statement.

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Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "i am not well versed", be specific about the area where your knowledge is lacking to provide clarity and context to your audience.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "i am not well versed" as a dismissive statement. Instead, frame it as an admission of your current knowledge level and a willingness to learn or seek assistance. This prevents the phrase from sounding arrogant or uninterested.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i am not well versed" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of proficiency or deep knowledge in a specific area. It's a polite and straightforward way to admit one's limitations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i am not well versed" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for expressing a lack of knowledge or skill in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news media, academic, and scientific discussions. When using the phrase, be specific about the area of unfamiliarity and avoid any dismissive tones. Alternatives such as "i'm not familiar with" or "i lack expertise in" can provide nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "i am not well versed" in a sentence?

You can use "i am not well versed" to indicate a lack of knowledge or experience in a particular subject. For example, "I am not well versed in astrophysics, so I can't comment on the latest research."

What are some alternatives to saying "i am not well versed"?

Alternatives include "i'm not familiar with", "i lack expertise in", or "i'm not knowledgeable about", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "i am not well versed"?

Yes, "i am not well versed" is grammatically correct. It is a common and accepted way to express a lack of proficiency or knowledge in something.

What's the difference between "i am not well versed" and "i am not an expert"?

"I am not well versed" implies a general lack of knowledge, while "I am not an expert" suggests a lack of specialized skill or mastery. You might use "i am not well versed" when you're unfamiliar with a topic, and "I am not an expert" when you lack professional-level skills.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: