a familiar trope

USAGE SUMMARY

"a familiar trope" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a common idea, phrase, or device that has become so commonplace that it is recognizable to many people. For example, "The hero's journey is a familiar trope in storytelling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Keeping the faith is a familiar trope for black audiences, but it's a slippery one.

The New Yorker

Walks and places, perambulations and circumnavigations, wanderings and journeys are a familiar trope.

The Guardian - Arts

For a long time, that teacher seems like a familiar trope.

The New Yorker

The impressionable schoolgirl wanting to impress the older man is a familiar trope – she could completely scupper Gibson's investigations.

Independent

Long takes became a familiar trope of international art cinema, but the ones that he made highlighted theatrical performance.

The New Yorker

That is a familiar trope, of course: it's not the guns that are the problem, it's the shooters.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

By the 19th century, when Dickens satirised the Circumlocution Office, "red tape" was a sufficiently familiar trope to be used without further explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But as a former dominatrix and erotic memoirist myself, I can tell you that the fear of men 'tainted by association' with you is an all-too familiar trope when it comes to telling your story.

Independent

Its trailer – in which the Eiffel tower features about five times, along with the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais and innumerable chic little bistros – suggests a love letter to a touristy version of the city, and the familiar trope of an American finding himself in Paris.

The Guardian

Most of this movie is just dark, and the familiar trope of a high-flying passage through Gotham's bunched skyscrapers isn't as thrilling as it was years ago.

The New Yorker

Pierce Brosnan's post-007 career had been largely action-free but he was lured back to the genre with The November Man, a slightly more plot-heavy thriller than the majority of Taken-alikes but one that still revolved around the familiar trope of an veteran agent.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a familiar trope" to acknowledge a recognizable element while also signaling awareness of its potential for overuse. This can subtly prepare your audience for a fresh take or subversion of expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a familiar trope" without providing context or examples, especially when writing for a niche or specialized audience. Not all readers may recognize the trope you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar trope" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies a recurring theme, device, or element in narratives or other creative works. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a familiar trope" is a noun phrase used to identify common elements in creative works. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it's prevalent in News & Media, it also appears in academic and general discussions. It's important to acknowledge the potential for overuse when employing this phrase, and to provide context for the audience. Related phrases include "a recurring theme" and "a well-worn cliche". By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "a familiar trope" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring theme

Focuses on the repetition of a central idea rather than the specific device or cliche.

an overused plot device

Specifically refers to elements in a narrative that have lost their impact due to excessive repetition.

a common motif

Emphasizes the symbolic representation of an idea or concept through recurring elements.

a predictable scenario

Stresses the lack of surprise or novelty in a given situation or narrative arc.

a well-worn cliche

Highlights the overuse and lack of originality associated with a particular element.

a conventional device

Points to the adherence to established methods or techniques, often lacking innovation.

a standard formula

Suggests a rigid adherence to a set pattern or template, limiting creativity and uniqueness.

a hackneyed idea

Implies staleness and lack of freshness in the concept being presented.

an established convention

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and adherence to particular norms or practices.

a trite expression

Focuses on the banality and lack of originality in the wording or phrasing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a familiar trope" to point out a recurring element in art, literature, or media. For example, "The damsel in distress is "a familiar trope" in classic adventure stories".

What's the difference between "a familiar trope" and a cliché?

While both terms refer to overused elements, "a familiar trope" is more neutral. A cliché is generally seen as negative, implying a lack of originality, whereas a trope can be used effectively with a fresh spin.

Are there situations where avoiding "a familiar trope" is better?

Yes, if your goal is to create something entirely novel and unexpected, subverting or avoiding "a familiar trope" can be a good strategy. However, tropes can also be used effectively with creative twists.

What are some examples of phrases similar to "a familiar trope"?

Alternatives include "a recurring theme", "a common motif", or "a well-worn cliche", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.