this is familiar

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is familiar" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is recognized or known to the speaker. For example: "I walked into the old house and immediately thought to myself, 'this is familiar' as memories flooded back to me." In this example, the speaker is describing the feeling of recognition upon entering an old house they are familiar with.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is familiar ground.

The Economist

For Mr. Peltz, this is familiar turf.

The New York Times

This is familiar territory, of course.

Independent

This is familiar terrain for Hutchings.

The Washington Post

This is familiar territory for Ocean Drive.

The New York Times

This is familiar territory for them.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of this is familiar territory.

The Guardian - Books

But 14 years later, all this is familiar territory.

The Economist

To his fans, this is familiar Iannucci territory.

The Guardian

Admirable though Porky continues to be, this is familiar stuff.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This £9bn is familiar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex topics, preface known information with "this is familiar" to quickly move past established concepts and focus on new insights.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this is familiar" as it can sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is familiar" functions primarily as a declarative statement. It expresses a speaker's recognition, awareness, or prior experience with something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is familiar" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing recognition or prior experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and versatile, appearing in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its usage is generally neutral, it is advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Consider alternatives like "this rings a bell" or "this seems familiar" to add nuance. This phrase is a reliable tool for establishing common ground and signaling understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this seems familiar

Introduces a degree of uncertainty or hesitation about the familiarity.

this rings a bell

Implies a vague recollection or recognition, slightly less direct than "this is familiar".

this is recognizable

Focuses on the ability to identify something, suggesting a visual or auditory connection.

this is a familiar sight

Specifically refers to visual familiarity, suggesting it's something often seen.

this is nothing new

Highlights the lack of novelty, suggesting a lack of surprise.

this is commonplace

Suggests widespread occurrence and acceptance, less personal than "this is familiar".

this is old hat

Indicates something is commonplace or uninteresting due to its familiarity, more informal.

this is well-trodden ground

Implies that a topic or subject has been extensively discussed or explored.

this is a known quantity

Emphasizes predictability and a lack of unknowns.

this is par for the course

Indicates something is typical or expected, especially in a negative situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is familiar" to express recognition or prior experience, like in the sentence, "The layout of the software "this is familiar" from my previous job".

What are some alternatives to "this is familiar"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "this rings a bell", "this seems familiar", or "this is commonplace".

Is it better to say "this is familiar to me" or just "this is familiar"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "this is familiar" is often more concise and natural. Adding "to me" can emphasize personal experience but isn't always necessary.

When should I NOT use the phrase "this is familiar"?

Avoid using ""this is familiar"" when introducing a completely new concept or idea. It implies prior knowledge that the audience may not have.