familiar states

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiar states" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to states or conditions that are well-known or recognized by someone. Example: "In psychology, individuals often revert to familiar states when faced with stress, as these states provide a sense of comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The physical connection I have with making sound can be ecstatic, a welcome relief from more familiar states of anguish.

The New York Times

Another view is that a third truth value (say, "half-truth") ought to be recognized as existing between truth and falsity; thus, it has been advanced that certain familiar states of the weather make the proposition "It is raining" neither definitely true nor definitely false but something in between the two.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Popular downstairs is a tower of license plates where guests pick out favorite and familiar states.

Huffington Post

If you're looking for a place to settle down, you might want to consider the familiar states below.

Huffington Post

Priorities USA Action, the super PAC supporting President Barack Obama, is targeting presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney for stopping in a number of familiar states during his five-day, six-state bus tour.

Huffington Post

By the same token, classical rewards are necessarily predictable and portend a succession of familiar states (e.g. consummatory behaviour).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They are back, but to the familiar state of losing.

The New York Times - Sports

He enters the Ashes on his own terms, in a tiresomely familiar state of grace.

Independent

As that graduation day approaches, Knox's president, Roger L. Taylor, finds himself in a familiar state of vernal angst.

The New York Times

This is, unfortunately, a familiar state of politics, one with which we have been living for more than 15 years.

The New York Times

Now it may be devoted to crisis management a familiar state of affairs for U.S. and Russian officials.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "familiar states", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes these states familiar to the audience. Be specific and avoid vague references.

Common error

Avoid using "familiar states" without providing sufficient context. Readers need to understand what makes those states well-known or recognizable. Instead of saying 'he reverted to familiar states', specify 'he reverted to familiar states of anxiety and withdrawal'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar states" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "familiar" modifies the noun "states". It serves to describe specific conditions or circumstances that are well-known or previously experienced. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "familiar states" is grammatically correct and used to describe well-known or recognizable conditions, situations, or environments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be specific about what makes these states familiar to the audience. Common errors include overgeneralization, so provide enough context to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "known conditions" or "established patterns" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

known conditions

Replaces "familiar" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the state of being known.

recognizable situations

Shifts from "states" to "situations", suggesting a broader scope than just conditions or places.

common circumstances

Uses "common" to convey familiarity and "circumstances" to indicate surrounding conditions.

established patterns

Focuses on repeated sequences or arrangements that are well-known.

customary environments

Highlights environments or surroundings that are typical or habitual.

typical scenarios

Emphasizes the predictable nature of the situations being described.

predictable conditions

Focuses on the ability to anticipate or foresee the state being described.

well-trodden paths

Uses a metaphor to describe experiences or courses of action that are frequently taken.

previously encountered situations

Highlights past experiences and their relevance to the current situation.

often seen scenarios

Focuses on visual recognition and frequent observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "familiar states" to describe situations, conditions, or environments that are well-known or recognizable. For example, "The patient often reverts to "familiar states" of denial when confronted with difficult news."

What's the difference between "familiar states" and "known conditions"?

"Familiar states" implies a personal recognition or past experience, while "known conditions" simply indicates that the conditions are generally known or documented.

Are there any formal alternatives to "familiar states"?

Formal alternatives to "familiar states" include "established patterns" or "customary environments", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "familiar states" when referring to emotions?

Yes, "familiar states" can be used to describe recurring emotional states. For example, "She found herself slipping back into "familiar states" of sadness after the anniversary of her loss."