familiar matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'familiar matters' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to things that the speaker or reader is already familiar with. For example, "We discussed familiar matters during the reunion such as our shared hometown and old classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The situation may parallel that of the existence of an external world, the existence of other minds, and a number of other familiar matters.

SEP

Can understand short reports on familiar matters if expressed in simple language with predictable contents.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And there was the familiar matter of location, location.

The New York Times

Suffering, however powerfully portrayed, is familiar matter for contemporary art.

The New York Times

Only 5percentt of the universe that you inhabit can be described as familiar matter.

The New York Times - Books

MACHOs are familiar matter, like dead stars and planets, that were theorized to make up the mass in the halo.

Cornell University

This picture, physicists think, shows telltales of dark matter: mysterious stuff which makes up five times as much of the universe as the more familiar matter of atoms.

The Economist

It is more than five times as abundant as the familiar matter that atoms are made of, but tends to interact with atomic matter only through gravity.

The Economist

The burden of history was also lighter, with the epoch-making fact of an African American president now a familiar matter.

The Guardian

If chunky does win out over creamy, it could mean that the familiar matter we're made of is just a natural accident waiting to turn strange.

Science Magazine

He is returning to familiar subject matter.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "familiar matters" when referring to subjects or issues that are already known or understood by your audience. This establishes a sense of shared knowledge and can streamline communication.

Common error

Avoid using "familiar matters" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar matters" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It references issues or subjects that are already known or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "familiar matters" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to topics or issues that are already known or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and business, it is most common in news and media. When writing, consider the register and context to ensure its appropriateness, particularly in formal settings. Use it to establish shared knowledge, but avoid overuse. If a more formal tone is needed, alternatives such as "established facts" or "common knowledge" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known issues

Focuses on the aspect of the matters being known and recognized.

common knowledge

Highlights the idea that the matters are widely understood.

routine affairs

Emphasizes the ordinariness and regular occurrence of the matters.

established facts

Stresses the verified and undisputed nature of the matters.

customary practices

Shifts focus to the habitual or traditional nature of the matters.

typical circumstances

Highlights that the situations are the most usual.

ordinary business

Highlights the habitual business.

regular concerns

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the matters that cause worry.

mundane topics

Underscores the everyday and unremarkable aspect of the matters.

conventional subjects

Indicates the matters adhere to accepted norms and standards.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "familiar matters" into a sentence?

You can use "familiar matters" to refer to topics or issues that are already well-known or understood. For example, "During the meeting, we only discussed "familiar matters" to save time."

Are there formal alternatives to "familiar matters"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "established facts", "common knowledge", or "routine affairs" for a more formal tone.

Is it correct to use "familiar matters" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, using "familiar matters" in academic writing depends on the context. If the topic is genuinely well-known within the field, it can be acceptable. However, always ensure your language is precise and considers the audience's expertise.

What's the difference between ""familiar matters"" and "personal matters"?

"Familiar matters" refers to subjects that are generally known or common knowledge, whereas "personal matters" pertains to private or individual concerns.