all too familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

"all too familiar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is common and unexciting, or something that you have experienced many times before. For example, "The morning commute is all too familiar to me; I drive the same route every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is an all too familiar tale.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, it's an all too familiar trend.

The Guardian

It's an all too familiar tune.

The Guardian - Music

Hers is an all too familiar story.

The Guardian

It's an all too familiar feeling.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is an all too familiar cycle.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

An all-too familiar face, and an all-too familiar derby result for City.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, this may sound all-too familiar.

Vice

This is an all-too-familiar pattern.

Harvard Business Review

It was an all-too-familiar feeling.

The Guardian - Sport

It's an all-too-familiar plotline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all too familiar", ensure the context clearly indicates what is familiar. The reader should understand the reference point without additional explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "all too familiar" to describe something positive or desirable. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, implying that the familiarity is unwelcome or tiresome. Use alternatives like "very familiar" or "well-known" in positive scenarios.

Linguistic Context

"All too familiar" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing it as something that is known from repeated experience. It's similar in function to adjectives like "common" or "typical" but carries a stronger connotation of weariness or negativity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all too familiar" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys a sense of weariness or resignation due to repeated experience. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and applicability in various contexts. It functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns and pronouns to indicate a shared, often negative, familiarity. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's important to ensure the context aligns with its inherent negative connotation. When a more positive or neutral tone is desired, alternatives such as "very familiar" or "commonly known" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

painfully familiar

Emphasizes the negative aspect of the familiarity, suggesting it causes distress.

distressingly common

Highlights that the frequency of something is a source of worry or upset.

unpleasantly recurring

Focuses on the repetitive nature of something negative.

wearyingly predictable

Emphasizes the tiring aspect of knowing what to expect.

commonly known

Highlights that something is widely recognized or understood.

frequently encountered

Focuses on the high number of instances of something.

nothing new

Informal way of saying that something is not surprising.

old story

Informal way of referring to a situation that has happened many times before.

a familiar tune

Implies something is predictable and possibly boring.

typical

Highlights that something is normal and expected.

FAQs

How can I use "all too familiar" in a sentence?

Use "all too familiar" to describe a situation or feeling that you have experienced many times, usually with negative connotations. For example, "The feeling of disappointment after a project failure is "all too familiar" to me."

What does "all too familiar" imply?

"All too familiar" implies that something is not only known but also has been experienced repeatedly, often to the point of being unpleasant or unwelcome. It suggests a sense of weariness or resignation.

What can I say instead of "all too familiar"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "painfully familiar", "distressingly common", or "wearyingly predictable". Choose the alternative that best captures the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "all too familiar" formal or informal?

"All too familiar" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations.