familiar to us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiar to us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is already known or recognized by the speaker or listener. For example, "The novel's themes were familiar to us from previous works by the author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such economic tactics may be familiar to US officials, who used them against Pakistan for much of the 1990s.

The Guardian

Copper is most familiar to us because it was used in coins.

The Guardian

"That's a formula that looks familiar to us," Ryan said.

The New York Times - Sports

Such multiple-identity situations are familiar to us.

Princeton University

The concept of distance is very familiar to us.

Harvard University

Do their answers still sound familiar to us today?

The New Yorker

Wants the Bronx," long since familiar to us here.

The New York Times

One less personal, though familiar to us both.

The New Yorker

The concept of creative destruction is familiar to us nowadays.

The Guardian

The fairytale is both familiar to us and profoundly strange.

The Guardian - Books

This pattern of early reproduction followed by senescence is all too familiar to us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the expression “familiar to us,” consider whether the context truly reflects a shared understanding within the intended audience. If there is any doubt about their collective knowledge, be sure to provide the relevant context or explanation. Clear communication is essential for ensuring that the phrase effectively resonates with your audience, strengthening its intended impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is "familiar to us" when addressing a diverse audience. Always provide context or briefly explain the concept to ensure everyone understands.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar to us" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or concept to indicate that it is known or easily recognized by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. For example, "The concept of distance is very familiar to us."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "familiar to us" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote shared knowledge or experience. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. Its adjectival function allows it to modify various nouns and concepts, fostering a sense of connection with the audience. While suitable for neutral registers, it's crucial to avoid assuming universal familiarity and provide context where needed. Common alternatives include phrases like "known to us" and "well known to us", allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

known to us

Direct synonym, focusing on the state of being known.

well-known to us

Emphasizes a higher degree of familiarity.

common knowledge to us

Highlights that the information is widely understood within the group.

within our understanding

Focuses on comprehension and cognitive grasp.

part of our experience

Emphasizes familiarity through shared past events.

something we recognize

Highlights the act of identifying something already known.

comprehensible to us

Focuses on the ease with which something is understood.

within our ken

A more formal or archaic way of expressing something within our knowledge.

not foreign to us

Highlights that something is not new or unfamiliar.

in our awareness

Emphasizes that something is present in our consciousness.

FAQs

How can I use "familiar to us" in a sentence?

You can use "familiar to us" to describe something that is known or easily recognized by a group, such as, "The concept of creative destruction is "familiar to us" nowadays."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "known to us", "well known to us", or "common knowledge to us", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "familiar to us" formal or informal?

"Familiar to us" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in writing than in casual speech.

What does it mean when something is "familiar to us"?

When something is "familiar to us", it means we have prior knowledge or experience with it, making it easily recognizable or understandable. It suggests a shared understanding or experience among a group.