it is familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is familiar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is known or recognized by someone. Example: "The melody of the song is familiar, but I can't quite place where I've heard it before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For Keith Beauchamp, the 39-year-old documentary filmmaker who is an executive producer of the series and its host, it is familiar terrain.

The New York Times - Arts

It looks so comfortable there, not just because it is familiar, but because its character mirrors the city's.

The New York Times - Arts

It is familiar to some for its gratuitous use of the female form; to others, it represents high art.

Independent

It is familiar with most virtual institutions, and it continuously updates its list of approved colleges.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is familiar.

The Guardian - Books

It is familiar work for Ms. Hogan.

The New York Times

It is familiar territory for Blumberg.

The Washington Post

The language of it is familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is familiar because it is Barcelona's style.

The New York Times - Sports

Just because it is familiar, doesn't mean it's worth saving.

The New Yorker

"Suspect Behavior" is not boring, but it is familiar.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is familiar", ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing a clear antecedent in your sentence.

Common error

While "it is familiar" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive alternatives like "it is well-documented" or "it is widely recognized" to enhance the sophistication of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is familiar" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being known or recognized. It serves to establish a sense of shared knowledge or common experience, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is familiar" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to indicate recognition or shared knowledge. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase or opt for a more precise alternative. Being mindful of potential overuse, especially in formal writing, will ensure that your writing remains clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is well-known

Emphasizes the widespread knowledge of something.

it is recognizable

Highlights the ease with which something can be identified.

it is commonplace

Indicates that something is ordinary and frequently encountered.

it is a familiar sight

Focuses on the visual familiarity of something.

it is a common sight

Focuses on the visual aspect of something being frequently seen.

it is nothing new

Suggests that something is not original or surprising.

it is old hat

Indicates that something is outdated or no longer interesting.

it is customary

Highlights that a practice is in accordance with convention.

it is conventional

Emphasizes that something follows accepted standards.

it is expected

Suggests that something aligns with anticipations or norms.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is familiar" to indicate that something is well-known or easily recognized. For example, "The concept of supply and demand "it is familiar" to most economists."

What are some alternatives to "it is familiar"?

Alternatives include "it is well-known", "it is common", or "it is recognizable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

"It is familiar to" is used to indicate that something is known or recognized by someone or something. "It is familiar with" suggests that someone or something has experience or knowledge of something. For example, "The process is familiar to the team" versus "The team is familiar with the process".

Can "it is familiar" be used in formal writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While grammatically correct, in some formal contexts, more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "it is well documented" or "it is widely accepted" may be preferable.