a familiar strategy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar strategy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a method or approach that is well-known or commonly used in a particular context. Example: "The team decided to implement a familiar strategy that had proven successful in previous projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is a familiar strategy.

The New York Times - Sports

The Rebels had a new look, but a familiar strategy.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a familiar strategy in mainstream cinema, where real politics are generally avoided.

The New York Times

The work exemplifies her ability to bring a fresh urgency to a familiar strategy.

The New York Times - Arts

For this President Bush, a more focused approach is a familiar strategy.

The New York Times

It was a familiar strategy of subject-changing and obfuscation, a stab at a verbal filibuster.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

For instance, should relative truth be understood as a modification on an already familiar strategy for thinking about truth (e.g., the correspondence, pragmatic or epistemic model) or in some different way, entirely?

SEP

In a now familiar strategy, television and radio ads calling for tougher laws to regulate H.M.O.'s are to go on the air Sunday in the Albany region and spread around the state in coming weeks.

The New York Times

But as hip-hop has become more ingrained in popular culture, and as educators have put a greater emphasis on the positive aspects of rap -- like its wordplay, rhyme schemes and focus on contemporary social issues -- using rap music to teach classical poetry has become an increasingly familiar strategy in the classroom, poets and teachers at the conference said.

The New York Times

These songs taken together are the equivalent of a shuttle burning through its rocket boosters before thrusting into space, a familiar Drake strategy.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Larraín's attention to period detail is of course a familiar filmmaking strategy that gives the movie a patina of verisimilitude, as does his liberal sampling from the original, often hilarious No ads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a familiar strategy", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the strategy 'familiar'. Provide examples or references to its previous use to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a familiar strategy" without providing sufficient context. Readers might not share the same understanding of what is considered 'familiar', leading to confusion. Always clarify the strategy's nature or provide examples for better comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar strategy" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular approach or method that is recognized or known within a specific context. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a familiar strategy" is a noun phrase used to describe a common or well-known method. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, indicating its versatility. The phrase is suitable for neutral registers and implies a sense of reliability. When using this phrase, provide sufficient context to ensure the reader understands what makes the strategy 'familiar'. Alternatives like "a common tactic" or "a well-known method" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common tactic

Replaces "strategy" with "tactic", implying a more specific or short-term approach.

a well-known method

Substitutes "familiar" with "well-known" and "strategy" with "method", emphasizing the broad recognition of the approach.

an established approach

Replaces "familiar" with "established", highlighting the long-standing or traditional nature of the strategy.

a conventional procedure

Uses "conventional procedure" to suggest a standard or typical way of doing something.

a typical maneuver

Employs "typical maneuver", implying a common or standard action taken to achieve a goal.

a routine practice

Replaces "strategy" with "routine practice", suggesting a regular and expected way of doing things.

a standard operating procedure

Refers to a set of established steps or actions followed in a specific context.

an age-old technique

Highlights the long history and traditional use of the strategy.

a tried-and-true formula

Emphasizes the proven reliability and effectiveness of the strategy.

a time-tested approach

Highlights that the approach has been proven over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a familiar strategy" to refer to a common or well-known approach. For example, "The company adopted "a familiar strategy" of cutting costs to improve profits."

What are some alternatives to "a familiar strategy"?

Alternatives include "a common tactic", "a well-known method", or "an established approach". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a familiar strategy" in writing?

It's appropriate when referring to a method or approach that is widely recognized or commonly used within a particular field or situation. Ensure your audience understands the referenced strategy.

What's the difference between "a familiar strategy" and "a novel strategy"?

"A familiar strategy" refers to a well-known or common approach, while "a novel strategy" implies a new or innovative method. Using the right phrase depends on whether you are describing a conventional or unconventional tactic.