formerly unimaginable

USAGE SUMMARY

"formerly unimaginable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that was previously beyond the realm of possibility or comprehension. An example: "The technological advancements we see today were formerly unimaginable just a few decades ago." Alternative expressions include "previously inconceivable" and "once unthinkable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Strike Two: This week, as concerns mount about telecom issues in general and WorldCom in particular, investors stampede out of this once invincible stock, which on Feb. 5 falls to the formerly unimaginable depth of $6.97.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leading the fight against Enterprise is the United Auburn Indian Community, whose casino, Thunder Valley, has become one of America's most profitable and has brought the formerly destitute tribe unimaginable riches.

The New York Times

WHEN in 1999 Renault spent $50m to acquire a controlling stake in Dacia, a sickly Romanian carmaker formerly owned by the state, it was unimaginable that it would become one of the jewels in the French car firm's crown.

The Economist

And in the formerly staid capital where students had gathered to protest, politics were bubbling in a way unimaginable when I lived here before.

Los Angeles Times

Pretty unimaginable.

The New York Times

It's unimaginable now.

The New York Times - Arts

Their egos are unimaginable.

The New Yorker

This seems unimaginable now.

The Economist

This is unimaginable today.

The New York Times

The stench was unimaginable.

The New York Times - Books

"There was unimaginable destruction".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formerly unimaginable" to emphasize the stark contrast between past perceptions and present realities, particularly when highlighting advancements or shifts in societal norms.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly unimaginable" to describe minor or trivial changes. Reserve it for situations where the shift is genuinely significant and transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly unimaginable" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe something that was previously beyond the realm of possibility or comprehension. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it highlights a stark contrast between past perceptions and current realities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formerly unimaginable" functions as a compound adjective, denoting something once beyond comprehension but now real. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and infrequent usage, primarily in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "previously inconceivable" and "once unthinkable" offer similar meanings, "formerly unimaginable" is best used to highlight significant, transformative shifts. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase on trivial changes to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously inconceivable

Emphasizes the lack of prior conception or understanding.

once unthinkable

Highlights that the idea was rejected or dismissed in the past.

once deemed impossible

Directly states the former impossibility.

heretofore unimaginable

Adds a formal and somewhat archaic tone.

formerly beyond belief

Focuses on the incredulity that the idea once inspired.

previously unheard of

Stresses the novelty and unprecedented nature.

what was once considered a fantasy

Highlights the idea was once a dream.

that which defied imagination

Focuses on the extreme difficulty in conceiving the idea.

something previously out of the question

Emphasizes that the idea was not a viable option in the past.

a situation that history had never seen before

Highlights it as something new in history.

FAQs

How can I use "formerly unimaginable" in a sentence?

Use "formerly unimaginable" to describe a situation or development that was once considered impossible or beyond comprehension but is now a reality. For example, "The speed of modern communication was "formerly unimaginable"."

What are some alternatives to "formerly unimaginable"?

You can use alternatives such as "previously inconceivable", "once unthinkable", or "heretofore unimaginable" depending on the context.

Is "formerly unimaginable" a formal or informal phrase?

"Formerly unimaginable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often found in news and media or analytical writing. It's more about the impact of the statement than the tone.

What's the difference between "formerly unimaginable" and "previously unimaginable"?

The difference is minimal. Both phrases convey a similar meaning. "Formerly" might suggest a more distant past, while "previously" is more general. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.