is not alien

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not alien" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is familiar or not foreign in a particular context. Example: "The concept of community service is not alien to our culture; we have always valued helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Chandra is not alien either.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Downloading music is not alien to them.

The Guardian - Tech

Christianity of course is not alien to Iran.

The New York Times

Loyalty is not alien to his nature, but it's not part of it, either.

The New Yorker

Certainly, the bluff is not alien to the Wall Street deal culture.

The New York Times - Magazine

Actually, though, this sense of something cobbled together is not alien to my own experience.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"What happened to Sophie isn't alien to me.

BBC

This is the notion that the void -- the nothing from which everything arose -- isn't alien to us.

Huffington Post

He's not alien enough!

The Guardian - Film

"It's not alien technology," he says.

The Guardian

And that's not alien to Weber either.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using more common alternatives like "is familiar" or "is not foreign", especially when writing for a broad audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is not alien" in contexts where a more direct synonym like "familiar" or "common" would be clearer and more impactful. Overusing less common phrases can make writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not alien" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing a subject by asserting that it is not foreign or unfamiliar. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase fits well in a wide range of sentences, modifying nouns and noun phrases to indicate a lack of strangeness or unfamiliarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not alien" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to convey that something is familiar or not foreign. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While it's a useful phrase, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "is familiar" or "is not foreign" for greater clarity, especially in informal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, but also appears in academic and encyclopedic contexts, signifying its versatile application. When used judiciously, "is not alien" can effectively bridge understanding by highlighting existing familiarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is familiar

Replaces "not alien" with a direct synonym, emphasizing recognizability.

is not foreign

Substitutes "alien" with "foreign", offering a more common alternative.

is not unknown

Replaces "alien" with "unknown", focusing on the lack of unfamiliarity.

is not strange

Changes "alien" to "strange", highlighting the absence of peculiarity.

is well-known

Expresses the idea with a more positive framing, indicating common knowledge.

is commonplace

Indicates that something is ordinary and frequently encountered.

is nothing new

Emphasizes the lack of novelty or originality.

is part of

Shifts the focus to inclusion within a larger context or system.

is integrated into

Suggests a deeper level of incorporation and assimilation.

is conventional

Implies adherence to accepted standards or norms.

FAQs

What does "is not alien" mean?

The phrase "is not alien" means something is familiar, known, or not foreign to a particular context or person. It suggests a lack of unfamiliarity or strangeness.

How can I use "is not alien" in a sentence?

You can use "is not alien" to describe something that is already present or understood. For example, "The concept of teamwork "is not alien" to this company" indicates that teamwork is a known and accepted practice.

What are some alternatives to "is not alien"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is familiar", "is not foreign", "is not strange", or "is well-known". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "is not alien" formal or informal?

The phrase "is not alien" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While understandable in most contexts, simpler alternatives like "is familiar" might be preferable in very informal settings.