is familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

'is familiar' is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is an example of the verb "to be" in the present tense. Example: She is familiar with the issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is familiar ground.

The Economist

The dance is familiar.

The New York Times

The phenomenon is familiar.

The New Yorker

One story is familiar.

Independent

His story is familiar.

The New York Times - Arts

Controversy is familiar.

Independent

The story is familiar.

The New York Times - Books

THE plot is familiar.

The Economist

Their response is familiar.

The Economist

That much is familiar.

The Economist

Mr Kristol's argument is familiar.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is familiar", consider whether a more precise term like "well-known" or "conversant" might better suit the nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "is familiar" without clearly specifying what the subject is familiar with. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Instead of "The concept is familiar", specify "The concept is familiar to most economists."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is familiar" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun's state of being known, recognized, or acquainted. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "is familiar" is used to describe subjects ranging from stories and arguments to faces and procedures, indicating a widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is familiar" is a versatile phrase used to indicate recognition, knowledge, or commonality. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammar is correct, and its usage is very common across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject "is familiar" with. For alternatives, consider options like "sounds familiar" or "rings a bell" to add nuance to your expression. By avoiding ambiguity and choosing the most precise term, you can effectively communicate the intended sense of recognition or acquaintance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sounds familiar

This phrase indicates that something heard or mentioned is recognized or remembered.

is something I know

This alternative is a more direct way of expressing personal familiarity with something.

rings a bell

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression to convey a sense of vague recognition or familiarity.

is recognized

This phrase implies that something is identified or acknowledged due to prior knowledge or experience.

is well-known

This alternative suggests that something is widely recognized or acknowledged.

is readily recognized

This alternative indicates that something is easily and quickly identified.

is common knowledge

This phrase denotes that something is known by most people.

is no surprise

This phrase suggests that something is not unexpected or astonishing.

is nothing new

This alternative implies that something is not surprising or novel because it has happened before.

is not foreign

This phrase implies that something is not unfamiliar or strange.

FAQs

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

You can use "is familiar" to indicate that something is known or recognized. For instance, "The plot "is familiar"" or "She "is familiar" with the new software".

What are some alternatives to "is familiar"?

Alternatives include "sounds familiar", "rings a bell", "is well-known", or "is recognized". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is familiar to" or "is familiar with"?

"Is familiar to" typically refers to something being generally known or recognized by a group, while "is familiar with" indicates personal knowledge or experience. For example, "The name "is familiar" to most people" versus "I "am familiar" with his work".

What's the difference between "is familiar" and "is acquainted"?

"Is familiar" suggests a general awareness or recognition, while "is acquainted" implies a more personal or direct experience. Saying "I "am familiar" with the author's books" means you've likely read them, whereas "I "am acquainted" with the author" suggests you've met or know them personally.