a unprecedented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unprecedented" is not correct in written English.
The correct article to use before "unprecedented" is "an" because "unprecedented" begins with a vowel sound. Example: "This is an unprecedented event in our history."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Shaq and I had a unprecedented 10-year history together," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

On Friday, his government collapsed after opposition parties voted it in contempt of Parliament, a unprecedented event in Canada.

The New York Times

Trump has come a long way despite erratic and unpleasant behaviour on a unprecedented scale in modern politics.

The Guardian

A unprecedented bonds-and-tax climate stability financing strategy proposes to bear the burden of climate change in a right, just and fair way around the globe.

Columbia University

And his intervention followed a unprecedented meeting with five senior opposition figures - "a huge event," in the words of one Manama observer.

The Guardian

Citigroup was among nine big banks that received more than $125 billion from the government on Monday as part of a unprecedented bailout of the financial industry.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

This has been an unprecedented event requiring an unprecedented response.

Huffington Post

"This is an unprecedented time; it's an unprecedented opportunity".

The New York Times

"This is an unprecedented return.

Independent

"It's an unprecedented discovery".

Independent

This is an unprecedented challenge".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Check your writing for 'a' versus 'an' errors specifically when using adjectives starting with vowels to ensure professional quality.

Common error

Writers often mistakenly use 'a' before words starting with 'u' by assuming all 'u' words take 'a' (like 'a university'). However, 'unprecedented' starts with a vowel sound, not a consonant 'y' sound, making 'a' incorrect.

How to use

Learn how to use "a unprecedented" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unprecedented" functions as a determiner phrase consisting of an indefinite article followed by an adjective. In standard English, this specific combination is a grammatical error. According to Ludwig, the article must agree with the initial sound of the following word; since 'unprecedented' begins with a vowel sound /ʌ/, the article 'an' is required.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "a unprecedented" appears in various high-profile publications, it is important to recognize it as a grammatical error. Ludwig AI confirms that the correct usage is "an unprecedented". The mistake likely stems from a confusion with words like 'university' or 'unique', which start with a consonant sound. In the case of 'unprecedented', the initial vowel sound necessitates 'an'. To maintain professional standards in your writing, ensure you use the correct article or opt for alternatives like "an extraordinary" or "a singular" to convey a similar sense of rarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unprecedented

Uses the correct indefinite article for a word starting with a vowel sound

an unparalleled

Provides a synonymous adjective with the correct article

an extraordinary

Shifts to a broader adjective while maintaining the correct article usage

a singular

Uses 'a' correctly before a consonant sound while retaining the sense of uniqueness

a unique

Correctly uses 'a' because 'unique' begins with a consonant 'y' sound

a record-breaking

Specific descriptor that avoids the vowel-starting article issue

an exceptional

Formal alternative emphasizing rarity with correct article usage

a pioneering

Focuses on the 'first-of-its-kind' aspect using a consonant-starting word

an unheard-of

Idiomatic way to express the lack of precedent with correct article

a novel

Describes something new or original using the correct article

FAQs

Is "a unprecedented" correct in English?

No, "a unprecedented" is grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form is "an unprecedented" because the word starts with a vowel sound.

Why do some news sources use "a unprecedented"?

In fast-paced journalism, typographical errors occur. While outlets like The Guardian or The New York Times may occasionally publish it, it remains an error. You should always use "an unprecedented".

What is a better alternative to "a unprecedented"?

If you want to avoid the article altogether or use a different phrase, try "an unparalleled" or "a unique" situation.

Does "unprecedented" take 'a' or 'an'?

It always takes 'an'. The rule for 'a' vs 'an' depends on the sound, and since 'unprecedented' sounds like it starts with 'uh', "an unprecedented" is the only correct choice.