familiar scene

USAGE SUMMARY

"familiar scene" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a scene that someone has experienced before. For example, "As he gazed out the window, he was comforted by the familiar scene of the rolling hills in the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

| It's a familiar scene.

The New York Times

It was a familiar scene.

The New York Times - Sports

SADLY for the Lebanese, it was a familiar scene.

The Economist

PARIS — It is a familiar scene, cartoonish in its intensity.

The New York Times

It has become a familiar scene for him.

The Guardian

It was a familiar scene inside the courtroom.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, it's a familiar scene to anyone who knows even a few Russian provincial cities.

Independent

This has become a familiar scene in the hockey world, but the origins are hazy.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a familiar scene in many households at university application time.

Independent

It was a familiar scene: the police helping out their own.

The New York Times

This year, in a familiar scene, telecommunication workers staged protests against the planned sale.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "familiar scene" to evoke a sense of shared experience or recognition in your audience, drawing on their existing knowledge and understanding. For example, when describing a common workplace situation, starting with "It's a familiar scene: the Monday morning rush for coffee" can immediately resonate with readers.

Common error

Avoid using "familiar scene" in contexts where the familiarity is already implied or obvious, as this can lead to redundancy. Instead of saying "In the movie, there was a familiar scene of a car chase", consider directly describing the car chase and its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar scene" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a situation, setting, or event that is commonly known or experienced. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "familiar scene" is a common and versatile way to describe situations or events that are widely recognized or experienced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in journalistic and narrative contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts where familiarity is already implied. Alternatives like ""common occurrence"" or ""typical situation"" may be more appropriate depending on the desired emphasis. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "familiar scene" to create relatable and engaging content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common occurrence

Replaces the visual aspect of a scene with the frequency of an event.

frequent spectacle

Highlights the visual and often public nature of the scene.

customary sight

Emphasizes the habitual and expected nature of the scene.

typical situation

Focuses on the situational aspect rather than the visual.

standard situation

Highlights that the situation is the most common.

everyday spectacle

Indicates that the scene is observed very often.

well-known scenario

Stresses the shared knowledge and understanding of the situation.

oft-repeated scenario

Focuses on the repetition of the situation.

recurring event

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the event, moving away from the visual aspect.

routine event

The scene is an uninteresting, repeated event.

FAQs

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

You can use "familiar scene" to describe something that is commonly seen or experienced. For instance, "The crowded subway during rush hour is a "familiar scene" for many commuters".

What are some alternatives to "familiar scene"?

Some alternatives include "common occurrence", "typical situation", or "recurring event", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say 'a familiar scene' or should I use another article?

Using the indefinite article 'a' is generally correct when referring to one instance of a scene that is familiar. However, if you are referring to a general type of scene, you can omit the article, but this is less common.

What's the difference between "familiar scene" and "familiar sight"?

"Familiar sight" typically refers to something visual that is commonly seen. "Familiar scene" can encompass a broader range of experiences, including sounds, actions, or situations that are commonly encountered. The words can be used interchangeably, but it's better to choose the term that fits the context best.