familiar face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiar face" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been seen before and is recognizable. For example, "She was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face in the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Familiar face — very familiar.

The New Yorker

He has a familiar face.

The Guardian - Film

"He was just a familiar face.

Independent

For them, misery is a familiar face.

The New York Times

Then a familiar face shows up.

The New York Times

It may well be a familiar face.

The New York Times

Attend events and become a familiar face.

The Guardian

A Familiar Face Here come the Rams.

The New York Times - Sports

Ah, but there's a familiar face: Quinn!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sometimes his bus carries another familiar face.

The New Yorker

And then I saw a familiar face.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction to seeing a "familiar face", use vivid language to convey their emotions (e.g., relief, surprise, unease).

Common error

Avoid using "familiar face" multiple times in a short passage. Vary your language with synonyms like "recognized figure" or "well-known person" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a person who is known or recognizable to the speaker, indicating a prior encounter or a degree of acquaintance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "familiar face" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone recognizable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, its purpose is to express recognition and often evoke a sense of connection. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider alternatives such as "recognized individual" or "well-known person" for stylistic variation. When writing, be aware of the emotional context surrounding the "familiar face" to enhance the narrative's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a face i've seen before

Directly references having seen the person previously.

recognized individual

Focuses on the act of recognizing someone, rather than the familiarity itself.

well-known person

Emphasizes the person's level of recognition to others.

recurring character

Specifically used in contexts where a person appears repeatedly, such as in a story or series.

a known entity

Indicates that the person is known or recognized in a particular context or field.

regular customer

Describes someone who frequently visits a business or establishment.

frequent visitor

Implies someone who often goes to a particular place.

someone i know

A more general way of indicating recognition, without specifying the level of familiarity.

someone i recognize

Highlights the act of recalling someone's identity.

an old acquaintance

Suggests a past connection with the person.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "familiar face" in a sentence?

You can use "familiar face" to describe someone you recognize, such as, "I was happy to see a "familiar face" at the party."

What are some alternative ways to say "familiar face"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "recognized individual", "well-known person", or "a face I've seen before".

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

Yes, "familiar face" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "recognized colleague" or "well-known figure."

What does it mean when someone is described as a "familiar face"?

It means the person is recognizable, either because you've seen them before, they are well-known in a specific community, or they appear regularly in a certain context.