an unknown talent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unknown talent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a skill or ability that has not yet been discovered or recognized in a person. Example: "She has an unknown talent for painting that only emerged during the art class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Shvedova was not an unknown talent.

The New York Times

To find an unknown talent is very exciting".

The Guardian - Film

She lied and said she could, then discovered an unknown talent.

The New Yorker

The hierarchies of taste are overturned in an instant by a new book by an unknown talent, and everyone applauds.

The New Yorker

Eager for work, Kohl, a catch-all musical-theatre freelancer, lied and said she could, then discovered, to her great surprise, an unknown talent.

The New Yorker

But if the current field of contenders is reluctant to shine beyond their own threshold, Mr. Weinberg may just want to take the novel approach and elevate an unknown talent from within Gucci's ranks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Half an hour showcasing a virtually unknown talent while she proves she is SO much more, no offence babes, than a privileged Conservative who flogs insanely overpriced merch to trophy wives, plus, you know the referendum?

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps he will reveal a previously unknown talent as a human beatbox.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would have spotted a raw, unknown talent on a forgotten South Bronx ball field and put him on a path to the greatest baseball stage in the world.

The New York Times

But a new study reveals a previously unknown talent: recognizing animals.

Science Magazine

Among the artefacts, there is some genuine art but quite a bit of junk.Is Second Life a nirvana where unknown talent can prove its creative mettle and make it in the real world?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider pairing "an unknown talent" with verbs that suggest discovery or recognition, such as 'unearth', 'spot', or 'nurture', to emphasize the act of bringing the talent to light.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential of "an unknown talent" without concrete evidence or examples. Ground your claims in observable skills or past performance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unknown talent" functions as a noun phrase, with "unknown" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "talent". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a person's potential or ability that is not yet widely recognized. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unknown talent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an individual whose abilities have not yet been widely recognized. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable expression in written English. Its primary function is to highlight potential and undiscovered skill, often with an implication of future success. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. For those seeking alternative phrases, consider "an undiscovered gem" or "a rising star" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an undiscovered gem

Replaces 'talent' with 'gem', emphasizing the precious and hidden nature of the individual.

a hidden prodigy

Uses 'prodigy' instead of 'talent', suggesting exceptional innate ability, while retaining the 'hidden' aspect.

a rising star

Focuses on the potential for future success, rather than current obscurity.

an emerging artist

Specifically applies to creative fields, emphasizing the early stage of development.

a little-known virtuoso

Replaces 'talent' with 'virtuoso', highlighting exceptional technical skill, but acknowledges the lack of widespread recognition.

a fresh face

Highlights the novelty and lack of prior exposure.

a newcomer with potential

Emphasizes the person's newness to the field and their promising abilities.

a diamond in the rough

Metaphorically describes someone with great potential that needs to be developed.

a sleeper success

Suggests a future success that is currently unexpected or underestimated.

an unheralded genius

Emphasizes a person's brilliance despite lacking public acknowledgement.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unknown talent" to describe someone whose abilities haven't been widely recognized. For example, "The director decided to cast "an unknown talent" in the lead role."

What's a similar phrase to "an unknown talent"?

Alternatives include "an undiscovered gem", "a rising star", or "a hidden prodigy", each conveying a slightly different nuance about potential and recognition.

Is it better to hire "an unknown talent" or an established professional?

The choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Established professionals offer proven experience, while "an unknown talent" might bring fresh perspectives and lower costs, but also higher risk.

How can you discover "an unknown talent"?

Look beyond traditional channels. Consider open calls, community events, and online platforms to find "an unknown talent" who may not have had the opportunity to showcase their skills through conventional means.