an unprecedented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unprecedented" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically 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 global response from governments and health organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's an unprecedented discovery".

Independent

"This is an unprecedented return.

Independent

This is an unprecedented challenge".

The New York Times

"This is an unprecedented number".

The New York Times

It was an unprecedented streak.

The New Yorker

"This was an unprecedented situation".

The New York Times

"This is an unprecedented situation".

Independent

Surely an unprecedented feat.

The Guardian - Film

Charities may benefit to an unprecedented extent.

The Economist

We are living through an unprecedented crisis.

The New York Times

This was savings on an unprecedented scale.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unprecedented" to emphasize the uniqueness and historical significance of an event, situation, or achievement. It adds weight and importance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an unprecedented" to describe minor or insignificant events. This can diminish the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly exceptional circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unprecedented" functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It signifies that the noun it modifies is novel, exceptional, and without prior instance. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, adding emphasis to the uniqueness of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unprecedented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adjective, emphasizing the uniqueness and historical significance of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and media, to highlight events that are truly exceptional and without prior parallel. While alternatives like "an unparalleled" or "a historic" exist, it's important to reserve "an unprecedented" for events of genuine significance to avoid diluting its impact. The phrase is widely employed by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, underscoring its acceptance and relevance in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a never-before-seen

Stresses that something has not been witnessed or experienced previously.

an unparalleled

Stresses the lack of comparison or equal.

an unmatched

Focuses on the superior quality or degree of something.

an extraordinary

Highlights the quality of being beyond what is ordinary or usual.

a groundbreaking

Emphasizes the innovative and pioneering nature of something.

an exceptional

Highlights the unusual and outstanding nature of something.

a novel

Focuses on the newness or originality of something.

a remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impressiveness of something.

a historic

Highlights the significance of an event in history.

a singular

Focuses on the uniqueness and distinctiveness of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unprecedented" to describe events or situations that have never occurred before, such as "The pandemic caused "an unprecedented economic crisis"" or "The discovery was "an unprecedented achievement"".

What are some alternatives to "an unprecedented"?

Alternatives include "an unparalleled", "a historic", or "a groundbreaking", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a unprecedented" instead of "an unprecedented"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct article to use before "unprecedented" is "an" because the word begins with a vowel sound.

How does "an unprecedented" differ from "unusual"?

"An unprecedented" describes something that has never happened before, while "unusual" simply means something is not common. "An unprecedented" carries a stronger sense of uniqueness and historical significance.