An unprecedented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "An unprecedented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has never happened before or is unmatched in its significance or scale. Example: "The pandemic has led to an unprecedented shift in how we work and interact with one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An unprecedented arrangement, Downing Street said, to prepare for an unprecedented challenge.

BBC

An unprecedented amount of savings is required.

The Guardian

An unprecedented double-pincer of pressure.

The Guardian

An unprecedented historical achievement in the EMUs.

The Guardian

An unprecedented rebellion was in the offing.

The Guardian

An unprecedented amount of performance art blurs the line further.

The New York Times - Arts

An unprecedented number now plan to go home.

The Economist

An unprecedented, two-day show of rare tap footage.

The New Yorker

An unprecedented expansion of research facilities is also under way.

The New York Times

An unprecedented quintuple is still on for Ferguson's side.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Franz: I wrote this book in--for me, at least--an unprecedented fifteen months.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unprecedented", provide context to showcase exactly why it's considered to be so. Use data points or comparison to previous events.

Common error

Avoid using "an unprecedented" too frequently, as overuse can dilute its impact. Reserve it for truly exceptional cases to maintain its effectiveness and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unprecedented" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is novel, unique, or without prior example. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. As an example, "an unprecedented amount of performance art" describes the amount of art as something new and unique.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an unprecedented" is a versatile adjective phrase used to denote something novel and without historical precedent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically sound and is frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it is grammatically correct and widely used, writers should be mindful not to overuse it, so its impact is not diminished. Alternative phrases such as "an unparalleled" or "a historic" can be used to add variety and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An unprecedented scale

Specifically emphasizes that the size, extent, or magnitude of something is without prior example.

An unparalleled

Suggests that something is unmatched in its quality or extent, emphasizing its superiority.

A first-of-its-kind

Highlights that something is the initial instance of its type, focusing on its pioneering status.

A groundbreaking

Emphasizes the innovative and pioneering nature of something, suggesting it opens up new possibilities.

A never-before-seen

Stresses the novelty and unfamiliarity of something, implying it has not been witnessed previously.

A novel

Focuses on the newness and originality of something, without necessarily implying scale or impact.

A remarkable

Focuses on the exceptional and noteworthy qualities of something, emphasizing its impressiveness.

A historic

Highlights the importance and lasting impact of something, placing it in the context of history.

An exceptional

Highlights the outstanding quality of something, marking it as significantly above average.

A singular

Implies that something is unique and without equal, emphasizing its distinctiveness.

FAQs

How do you use "an unprecedented" in a sentence?

Use "an unprecedented" before a noun to describe something that has never happened before or is unparalleled in its scale or significance. For instance, "The company experienced "an unprecedented growth" this quarter."

What can I say instead of "an unprecedented"?

You can use alternatives like "an unparalleled", "a groundbreaking", or "a historic" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the most unprecedented"?

No, using "the most unprecedented" is redundant. The word "unprecedented" already means something that has never happened before, so there cannot be degrees of it. Simply use "an unprecedented".

What is the difference between "unprecedented" and "historic"?

"Unprecedented" emphasizes that something has never occurred before, while "historic" highlights its importance and impact on history. An unprecedented event may or may not be historic, but a historic event is often, though not always, an unprecedented one.