an unprecedented number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unprecedented number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or occurrence that has never been seen or experienced before. Example: "This year, the organization received an unprecedented number of applications for the scholarship program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've seen an unprecedented number of attacks this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also produced an unprecedented number of wealthy people.

The Economist

They have filibustered an unprecedented number of President Obama's nominees.

The New York Times

Then the Islamic parties won an unprecedented number of seats in Parliament.

The New York Times

Technologies have opened up an unprecedented number of opportunities to collect, analyse, present and share information.

The Guardian

and to recruit an administrative team with an unprecedented number of dirty players.

The New Yorker

The year 1967 saw an unprecedented number of strikes sweep across the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, an unprecedented number of Michigan voters cast ballots without choosing either Clinton or Trump.

The Guardian - Books

Saturday's TUC-organised march will attract an unprecedented number of lawyers.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have an unprecedented number of countries engaged in Syria militarily now.

The New Yorker

The avian strain has affected what influenza experts say is "an unprecedented" number of bird species.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unprecedented number of", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates why the quantity is truly exceptional and without prior parallel. Providing specific data or comparisons can strengthen the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an unprecedented number of" loosely for emphasis; reserve it for situations where you can factually demonstrate the quantity or occurrence is genuinely without precedent, otherwise consider alternatives like "a significant number of" or "a large amount of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unprecedented number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity or occurrence that is unparalleled in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unprecedented number of" is a phrase used to describe a quantity or occurrence that is unparalleled in history. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To employ it effectively, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the unique and exceptional nature of what you are describing, while avoiding overuse in situations where the quantity is not truly without precedent. Alternatives like "a record-breaking quantity of" or "an unparalleled amount of" can be considered for similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a record-breaking quantity of

Replaces "unprecedented number" with a phrase emphasizing a surpassed record.

an unparalleled amount of

Substitutes "unprecedented number" to stress the lack of comparison.

a historically high count of

Emphasizes the historical aspect of the quantity being high.

a never-before-seen quantity of

Highlights the novelty and uniqueness of the quantity.

a peak volume of

Focuses on the maximum level or volume achieved.

an all-time high of

Indicates that the quantity has reached its highest point ever.

a supreme quantity of

Replaces "unprecedented" with "supreme" to highlight the exceptional nature of the amount.

an unmatched quantity of

Emphasizes that the quantity is unrivaled and unequaled.

a singular number of

Highlights the uniqueness and exceptionality of the quantity.

an unequaled measure of

Replaces "number" with measure to highlight a degree that hasn't been matched before

FAQs

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

You can use "an unprecedented number of" to describe something that has never occurred before in a certain amount or quantity. For example: "The museum received "an unprecedented number of donations" this year."

What are some alternatives to "an unprecedented number of"?

Alternatives include "a record-breaking quantity of", "an unparalleled amount of", or "a historically high count of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an unprecedented number of" even if the quantity is only slightly higher than before?

It's best to reserve "an unprecedented number of" for situations where the quantity is significantly higher than any previous instance. If the increase is marginal, consider using phrases like "a slightly higher number of" or "a moderately increased amount of" for accuracy.

What's the difference between "an unprecedented number of" and "a significant number of"?

"An unprecedented number of" implies that the quantity is not just large, but also the highest or greatest ever recorded. "A significant number of" simply means that the quantity is notably large or important, without necessarily being a record.