familiar topic

USAGE SUMMARY

"familiar topic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a topic that is well-known and not surprising. For example, "We discussed a familiar topic during the meeting: increasing efficiency in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The hazards of the Web as record keeper, of course, are a familiar topic.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's address had a familiar topic: the need for change.

The New York Times

Multiculturalism is a familiar topic in Australian cinema, often explored in starkly different genres.

The Guardian - Film

Songs from "Invented," like "Evidence," "Movielike" and "Coffee and Cigarettes," envision breakups, a familiar topic for the band.

The New York Times - Arts

Her project focused attention on a familiar topic, the proliferation of teenage drinking, from a new angle.

The New York Times

Joe Penhall's new play is an elegant variation on a familiar topic: the moral responsibility of the scientist.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

New methods of computer-assisted geographic analysis can also offer new interpretations of familiar topics.

The New York Times - Arts

But she's also making trend-conscious dance tracks about familiar topics: fashion, sex, drugs, and stardom.

The New York Times

All the familiar topics were there – taxation, the deficit, education, law and order, defence and of course the NHS.

The Guardian

As history has shrunk in our schools, the diet of courses offered has come to resemble fast food – familiar topics, hastily thrown together from familiar ingredients: comfort eating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let me return for a moment to two familiar topics in this space: Employer-provided health insurance and declining workforce participation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a "familiar topic", immediately establish a novel angle or fresh perspective to engage your audience. Avoid rehashing old information without adding value.

Common error

Don't assume your audience possesses the same level of knowledge about a "familiar topic" as you do. Briefly provide necessary context or background information before delving into specifics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar topic" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a subject or issue that is well-known or has been discussed extensively. Ludwig shows that it frequently appears in contexts where the speaker is acknowledging the established nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "familiar topic" is a noun phrase used to refer to a subject that is already well-known or frequently discussed. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across different writing styles. Its purpose is to acknowledge that a subject is not new and to set the stage for further discussion or analysis. While the phrase itself is quite common, it is important to avoid rehashing old information and to approach familiar topics with a fresh perspective. Some alternatives include "well-known subject", "common theme", and "frequently discussed issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known subject

Focuses on the widespread knowledge of the subject matter.

common theme

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the subject as a central idea.

frequently discussed issue

Highlights the repeated attention the topic receives.

established subject

Indicates the topic is settled and recognized.

recurring matter

Stresses the repeated appearance of the subject.

oft-repeated theme

Emphasizes the frequency with which the theme is repeated.

overdone subject

Suggests the topic has been discussed excessively.

hackneyed issue

Implies the topic is stale and unoriginal due to overuse.

trite subject

Highlights the lack of freshness or originality in the topic.

banal theme

Conveys the ordinariness and lack of excitement surrounding the topic.

FAQs

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

"Familiar topic" is typically used to describe a subject that is well-known or often discussed, as in "The presentation covered the familiar topic of climate change." You can also use it to indicate that a topic is not new or surprising.

What are some alternatives to "familiar topic"?

You can use alternatives like "well-known subject", "common theme", or "frequently discussed issue" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to present a "familiar topic" or an unfamiliar one?

Whether to present a "familiar topic" or an unfamiliar one depends on your goals. A familiar topic allows you to build on existing knowledge, while an unfamiliar topic offers the opportunity to introduce new ideas. Presenting a familiar topic in a new and exciting way is a great way to engage the audience.

How can I make a presentation on a "familiar topic" more engaging?

To make a presentation on a "familiar topic" more engaging, focus on providing new insights, perspectives, or data. Use compelling visuals, tell relevant stories, and encourage audience interaction. Consider framing the topic in a way that connects with current events or trends.