an unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something or someone that is not known or identified. Example: "The scientist was intrigued by an unknown variable that could affect the experiment's outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're an unknown label.

The New York Times

Inject an unknown drug?

The New Yorker

Avocado is an unknown.

The New York Times - Food

Lak was an unknown.

The Washington Post

"Basically, it's an unknown piece.

The New York Times

But Trump wasn't an unknown.

The New Yorker

I am an unknown quantity".

The New York Times - Sports

It's hardly an unknown phenomenon.

The Guardian - Tech

Buscombe remains an unknown quantity.

The Guardian

Anyone can sign an unknown.

The New Yorker

Fighting an unknown doomsday virus.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unknown" to introduce a sense of mystery or uncertainty, especially in creative writing or narratives.

Common error

While "an unknown" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing vague. Replace it with more specific terms like "unidentified", "unspecified", or "undetermined" where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unknown" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies something that is not known or identified. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unknown" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a lack of knowledge or certainty about something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, especially in news, science, and general contexts. While generally neutral, consider using more specific alternatives like "unidentified" or "unspecified" in formal writing to avoid vagueness. The phrase is frequently employed by authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, confirming its widespread acceptance and proper usage. "An unknown" serves as a key tool for expressing uncertainty or highlighting areas where information is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indeterminate

Replaces "unknown" with a synonym emphasizing the lack of definite limits or boundaries.

an unfamiliar

Substitutes "unknown" with a word highlighting the lack of prior experience or knowledge.

an unidentified

Uses a term emphasizing the lack of specific identification.

an unspecified

Replaces "unknown" to highlight that particular details have not been provided.

an unrevealed

Emphasizes that something is being kept secret or has not yet been disclosed.

a mystery

Shifts the focus to the enigmatic nature of the unknown element.

a blank space

Emphasizes the lack of information by likening it to a blank space.

uncharted territory

Presents "unknown" as something that has not been explored or mapped before.

an unexplored avenue

Emphasizes the lack of prior investigation or analysis.

a question mark

Uses a symbol of uncertainty to represent the unknown element.

FAQs

How can I use "an unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "an unknown" to refer to something not known or identified, like in "The origin of the artifact remains "an unknown"."

What's a good alternative to "an unknown"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "unidentified", "unspecified", or "undetermined".

Is it better to say "an unknown quantity" or "an unknown"?

Both phrases are correct, but "an unknown quantity" usually refers to a person or thing whose qualities or effects are not yet fully known or predictable, while "an unknown" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use "an unknown" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the lack of knowledge or information about something. For example, "The long-term effects of the new drug are still "an unknown"."