familiar story

USAGE SUMMARY

"familiar story" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is well-known or commonly understood by the person speaking or writing. Example: "John's late arrival to work was a familiar story to his boss, who had grown accustomed to his habit of running behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a familiar story.

The New York Times

That is a familiar story.

The Economist

A sad, familiar story.

The New York Times - Health

A familiar story in Italy today.

The New Yorker

For Richard, it was a familiar story.

Independent

Such a familiar story, right?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's a familiar story line".

The New York Times - Sports

Start with a familiar story.

The New York Times - Books

It is, perhaps, an oddly familiar story.

The New York Times

A well-told if somewhat familiar story.

The New York Times

It is a sad, familiar story.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "familiar story" to concisely convey that a situation is predictable or commonly known, saving you from having to explain extensive background details.

Common error

While "familiar story" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in creative writing where originality and unique phrasing are valued. Instead, seek more evocative ways to describe the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar story" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or appositive. It succinctly characterizes a situation or narrative as being well-known or predictable, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "familiar story" is a common and correct expression used to describe predictable or well-known situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, avoid overuse in creative writing. Alternatives like "common narrative" or "typical scenario" can provide nuanced alternatives. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common narrative

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the story or event.

typical scenario

Focuses on the pattern or sequence of events being ordinary.

well-known tale

Highlights the story's recognition and prior exposure.

old chestnut

Implies the story is old and has been told many times.

predictable situation

Underscores the lack of surprise or novelty in the events.

oft-repeated account

Stresses the frequent retelling of the story.

recurring theme

Highlights the pattern's repeated appearance in different contexts.

classic example

Positions the story as a prime illustration of a broader concept.

standard case

Suggests the story aligns with accepted conventions or norms.

nothing new

Indicates a lack of originality or innovation in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "familiar story" to describe events or situations that are predictable or well-known. For instance, "The company's financial troubles are a "familiar story" in the current economic climate".

What's a good alternative to "familiar story"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "familiar story" include "common narrative", "typical scenario", or "well-known tale".

Is it okay to use "familiar story" in formal writing?

Yes, "familiar story" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone. For highly formal contexts, consider more precise or nuanced alternatives such as "recurring theme".

What does it mean when someone says it's a "familiar story"?

When someone says it's a "familiar story", they typically mean the situation is not new or surprising. It's something that has happened before or is commonly experienced.