a familiar refrain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar refrain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a repeated theme or idea that is well-known or often heard. Example: "In discussions about climate change, the call for immediate action has become a familiar refrain among activists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is a familiar refrain.

The New York Times

It's a familiar refrain.

The New York Times

IT HAS become a familiar refrain.

The Economist

That is a familiar refrain in Harlem.

The New York Times

You're like Saudi Arabia" — a familiar refrain.

The New Yorker

This, of course, is a familiar refrain.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a familiar refrain.

The New Yorker

It's a familiar refrain for the company.

The Guardian - Film

This was already a familiar refrain in Song's lifetime.

The Economist

This is a familiar refrain, echoed mournfully by G.M.O.

The New Yorker

Marseille is a nightmare, she said, a familiar refrain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a familiar refrain" when you want to emphasize that an idea, argument, or complaint is not new or original, but has been expressed many times before. It adds a sense of weariness or inevitability to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a familiar refrain" repeatedly within a short span of writing. Doing so can make your prose sound monotonous and predictable. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar refrain" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies something as a recurring or well-known statement or idea. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a familiar refrain" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a recurring theme, statement, or idea. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to indicate that a particular concept or argument is not new, but has been voiced or observed repeatedly. When writing, consider substituting it with alternatives like "a common saying" or "a recurring theme" to avoid monotony. While versatile, overusing "a familiar refrain" can detract from the overall impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a well-known refrain

Direct synonym, only changes 'familiar' to 'well-known'.

a recurring theme

Emphasizes the repetition of a central idea or subject.

an oft-repeated statement

Stresses the characteristic of a statement that is frequently reiterated.

a common saying

Focuses on the aspect of a phrase being widely known and often repeated.

a repeated claim

Emphasizes the act of asserting something multiple times.

a well-worn phrase

Highlights the age and frequent use of the expression.

a recurring line

Focuses on a phrase that comes up multiple times within a specific work.

a familiar story

Shifts the focus to a narrative that has been heard many times.

a standard line

Highlights the formulaic or conventional nature of an expression.

a typical response

Highlights the predictability and commonness of a reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "a familiar refrain" in a sentence?

You can use "a familiar refrain" to indicate that something has been said or heard many times before. For example: "The politician's promise of lower taxes was "a familiar refrain" during election season".

What's another way to say "a familiar refrain"?

Alternatives to "a familiar refrain" include "a common saying", "a recurring theme", or "a well-worn phrase". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a familiar refrain" formal or informal?

"A familiar refrain" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in journalistic or analytical writing.

What does "a familiar refrain" imply?

"A familiar refrain" implies that something is not new or surprising, suggesting that it has been repeated so often it might be tiresome or predictable.