as familiar as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as familiar as" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to compare and contrast two things that are very similar in an informal way. For example, "Their faces were as familiar to me as my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Food

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Artillery barrages are as familiar as thunder and lightning.

The New York Times

The story is as familiar as anything in the Gospels.

The New York Times

The skate in black butter feels as familiar as home.

The New York Times - Food

The name isn't as familiar as the sound.

The New Yorker

Delays have become as familiar as cost over-runs.

The Guardian - Sport

As familiar as sheep heads and lamprey eels".

The New York Times - Books

The battlefield is as familiar as a childhood home.

The New York Times

As familiar as the steel mills and the desperate winters.

The New York Times - Books

As familiar as the waves crashing on the lake.

The New York Times - Books

But as familiar as the program was, it was different.

The New York Times

The B.B.C. and Independent Television sportscasters had grown into family friends, as familiar as mailmen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as familiar as" to create a strong sense of recognition or common knowledge, making your writing more relatable and engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as familiar as" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as too informal. Opt for more precise and technical comparisons when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as familiar as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that something is easily recognized or well-known. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used for comparisons that aim to establish a sense of common understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Food

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as familiar as" is a common comparative phrase used to express a high degree of recognition or common knowledge. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for comparisons. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, making descriptions more relatable and engaging, although it may be less suitable for formal academic writing. Alternatives such as "as well-known as" or "akin to" may offer a more precise tone, depending on the context. In essence, "as familiar as" serves as a tool to connect with readers by evoking shared experiences and understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as well-known as

Emphasizes the degree to which something is recognized or acknowledged.

as acquainted as

Highlights the degree of personal knowledge or experience with something.

as recognized as

Focuses on the extent to which something is identified or perceived.

akin to

Offers a more concise and formal way to indicate similarity.

reminiscent of

Suggests a similarity that evokes memories or associations.

comparable to

Indicates that two things can be reasonably compared, often in terms of quality or characteristics.

on par with

Implies that something is equal to or of the same standard as something else.

like that of

Draws a direct comparison between two things, often in a descriptive context.

not unlike

Indicates a degree of similarity while acknowledging that there may be differences.

in the same vein as

Suggests that something follows a similar style, theme, or approach.

FAQs

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

Use "as familiar as" to compare something well-known or easily recognized with something else. For instance, "The plot of the movie was "as familiar as" an old fairy tale".

What are some alternatives to "as familiar as"?

Alternatives include "as well-known as", "as recognized as", or "akin to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as familiar as" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as familiar as" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or technical comparisons.

What's the difference between "as familiar as" and "as well-known as"?

"As familiar as" implies a sense of personal recognition or experience, while "as well-known as" focuses on widespread awareness or acknowledgment. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize personal connection or general knowledge.