painfully familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painfully familiar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very recognizable or known, often in a way that evokes discomfort or annoyance. Example: "The sound of her voice was painfully familiar, reminding him of past arguments he wished to forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Otherwise, it will all look painfully familiar.

The Economist

All of this sounds painfully familiar.

The New York Times

The narrative is painfully familiar.

The Guardian - Arts

Manuel found Atlanta's predicament painfully familiar.

The New York Times - Sports

For many women, they are painfully familiar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, the message is almost painfully familiar.

The New York Times

Oh how painfully familiar this is.

The Guardian - Opinion

PB For the Colts, this was a painfully familiar story.

The Guardian - Sport

For the Nets, it was all too painfully familiar.

The New York Times - Sports

Not too complicated, perhaps, but painfully familiar right now.

The New York Times - Arts

One of the few clouds in the Tory sky is, however, painfully familiar.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "painfully familiar" to express not just recognition, but also a sense of unpleasantness or discomfort due to repeated or negative experiences. For example, "The company's financial troubles were painfully familiar after years of mismanagement."

Common error

Avoid using "painfully familiar" when a simple "familiar" or "well-known" would suffice. The 'painfully' adds a negative connotation, so ensure it's appropriate for the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painfully familiar" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "familiar". It describes the degree to which something is known or recognized, adding a negative emotional weight. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and accepted expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "painfully familiar" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is not only recognizable but also evokes a sense of discomfort or negativity. Ludwig AI data shows its frequent use in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using the expression, ensure that the negative connotation is appropriate for the intended meaning. Alternative phrases like "uncomfortably familiar" or "disturbingly familiar" can be used to emphasize specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomfortably familiar

Emphasizes the unease or discomfort associated with the familiarity.

disturbingly familiar

Highlights the unsettling aspect of the familiarity.

depressingly familiar

Focuses on the disheartening nature of the recognized situation or event.

regrettably familiar

Indicates a sense of sorrow or disappointment tied to the familiarity.

sadly recognizable

Highlights the sorrow or regret associated with being able to recognize something.

bitterly known

Emphasizes the negative experience or emotion associated with the knowledge.

agonizingly well-known

Intensifies the pain or suffering linked to the familiarity.

tragically recognizable

Implies a deep sense of loss or misfortune connected to the familiarity.

unpleasantly acquainted

Highlights the negative or undesirable nature of the familiarity.

disconcertingly recognizable

Focuses on the unsettling or confusing nature of being able to recognize something.

FAQs

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

Use "painfully familiar" to describe situations or experiences that are recognizable and bring about feelings of discomfort or negativity. For instance, "The cycle of boom and bust is "painfully familiar" to anyone who has studied economics".

What are some alternatives to "painfully familiar"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "uncomfortably familiar", "disturbingly familiar", or simply "sadly familiar".

Is it ever appropriate to use "painfully familiar" in a positive context?

While "painfully familiar" usually carries a negative connotation, it could theoretically be used ironically in a positive context. However, this is rare, and it's generally best to avoid using it unless you intend to convey some level of discomfort or negativity.

What's the difference between "painfully familiar" and "unpleasantly familiar"?

Both phrases suggest a negative association with something being known or recognizable. "Painfully familiar" implies a deeper level of discomfort or distress due to repeated negative experiences. "Unpleasantly familiar" simply suggests something is known and not enjoyable.