Without precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Without precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has never occurred before or lacks any prior example. Example: "The decision made by the court was without precedent, setting a new standard for future cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This outbreak is without precedent.

The Economist

This is not without precedent.

Independent

"It's completely without precedent.

The New Yorker

It is without precedent.

The Guardian - Opinion

("Time Without Precedent").

The New Yorker

This isn't without precedent.

The Washington Post

This is a case without precedent".

The New York Times

The situation also seems without precedent.

The New York Times - Sports

And it was certainly not without precedent.

The New York Times - Books

MORE-modest productions are not without precedent.

The New York Times

That's a script utterly without precedent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without precedent" to emphasize the novelty or uniqueness of a situation, event, or phenomenon. It's particularly effective when highlighting something that deviates significantly from established norms or historical patterns.

Common error

Avoid using "without precedent" for situations that are merely uncommon or rare. Reserve it for instances where there is truly no prior example or historical parallel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without precedent" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun lacks any prior example or parallel. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without precedent" effectively conveys that something is entirely new and unmatched in prior history. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It is frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to emphasize the novelty of a situation. While "unprecedented" is a close synonym, "without precedent" can sometimes offer a slightly more emphatic or descriptive tone. When writing, reserve "without precedent" for truly unique situations to maintain its impact and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unparalleled

Single word alternative that emphasizes the uniqueness and unmatched nature of something.

Unmatched

Highlights the lack of equal or comparable instances.

unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior examples or occurrences.

Never before seen

Explicitly states that something has not been observed previously.

Novel

Emphasizes the newness and originality of something.

First of its kind

Indicates that something is the initial instance of its type.

Original

Focuses on the inventive and non-derivative aspect.

Singular

Stresses the unique and distinctive character of something.

Exceptional

Highlights the rarity and superiority of something.

Groundbreaking

Emphasizes the innovative and transformative nature of something.

FAQs

How to use "without precedent" in a sentence?

Use "without precedent" to describe something that has never happened or existed before. For example, "The level of public support for the policy is "without precedent"."

What can I say instead of "without precedent"?

You can use alternatives like "unprecedented", "unparalleled", or "novel" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "without precedent" or "unprecedented"?

Both "without precedent" and "unprecedented" are correct, but "unprecedented" is a single word while "without precedent" is a phrase. The choice depends on the desired style and emphasis.

What's the difference between "without precedent" and "unusual"?

"Without precedent" indicates that something has never happened before, whereas "unusual" simply means that something is not common. "Without precedent" is a stronger and more specific term.