formerly untouched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formerly untouched" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that was previously in a natural or unaltered state before being affected or changed. An example could be: "The forest, formerly untouched, is now a bustling tourist destination." Alternative expressions include "previously unspoiled" and "once pristine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For the patients of failed Trabectome surgery, a subsequent trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C was performed with a formerly untouched conjunctiva due to uncontrolled IOP.

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

NEW YORK — For the first time since he took over at Calvin Klein, Francisco Costa explored two formerly untouched areas: the sly sexuality of the founder and his own Brazilian heritage.

The New York Times

Oil exploration in the 1950s and 1960s entailed cutting paths through the formerly untouched forests of the southwest, which further contributed to the migration of villagers into the forest to adopt the Mikea lifestyle.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's also virtually unassailable that the over-the-counter derivatives market, formerly all but untouched by regulation, needed to be reined in.

The New York Times

Elevated high above the existing slumscape, the "Cloud" makes accessible an immense volume of untouched space formerly unreachable for the favela's resident ad hoc architects.

Huffington Post

The rapid melting of the Arctic ice by global warming is opening up a region which was formerly off limits because of its frozen geography, and so has remained untouched and environmentally pure, to large-scale industrial development.

Independent

The rapid melting of the Arctic ice by global warming is opening up a region which was formerly off limits because of its frozen geography, and so has remained untouched and environmentally pure, to large-scale industrial development, particularly exploration for oil, gas and other natural resources.

Independent

Formerly a professional kitesurfer, Marcos realized that the piles of sturdy, colorful sails stashed away untouched in storage facilities could be repurposed into useful bags for everyday carry.

Forbes

But Personality Hotels, which owns the Vertigo, formerly known as the York, and six other hotels in San Francisco, decided to save money by leaving part of the building untouched.

The New York Times

Otherwise untouched.

The Guardian - Sport

Most transformations are untouched.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formerly untouched" to evoke a sense of loss or change when describing something that has been altered from its original, pristine state. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the contrast between the past and present condition.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly untouched" if the subject has only experienced minor or insignificant changes. The phrase implies a substantial alteration from a previous state of purity or naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly untouched" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a past state of being pristine or undisturbed. It conveys that the subject in question has undergone a change, moving from a state of naturalness to one that is altered or impacted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

33%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formerly untouched" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon adjective phrase used to describe something that was previously in a pristine or undisturbed state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's often employed in news and scientific contexts to emphasize a change or loss of natural qualities. While alternatives like "previously pristine" or "once unspoiled" exist, "formerly untouched" effectively conveys a sense of alteration from an original, pure condition. When using this phrase, consider its formal tone and ensure it accurately reflects a significant change from a prior state of naturalness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously pristine

Emphasizes the original pure and unspoiled condition.

once unspoiled

Focuses on the fact that the unspoiled state existed at a prior time.

formerly pristine

Highlights that it was in pristine condition at an earlier time.

previously undisturbed

Highlights the lack of prior disturbance or interference.

once untouched

Focuses on the fact that it was untouched at a prior time.

previously pristine condition

Specifies the "condition" as pristine.

once intact

Highlights that it was whole and undamaged at a prior time.

formerly immaculate

Emphasizes its previous flawless and perfect condition.

previously unspoiled nature

Emphasizes the natural aspect that was formerly unspoiled.

formerly pristine wilderness

Specifies the "wilderness" was formerly pristine

FAQs

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

You can use "formerly untouched" to describe a place or object that was previously in a pristine or natural condition. For example, "The forest, "formerly untouched", is now a bustling tourist destination".

What are some alternatives to "formerly untouched"?

Some alternatives to "formerly untouched" include "previously pristine", "once unspoiled", or "previously undisturbed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formerly untouched" more formal than "previously untouched"?

The phrases "formerly untouched" and "previously untouched" are quite similar in formality. "Formerly" might have a slightly more elevated tone, but both are suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Can "formerly untouched" apply to abstract concepts, or only physical places?

"Formerly untouched" typically applies to physical locations or objects, but can sometimes be used metaphorically for abstract concepts. In this case, it's more effective to use alternatives that are suitable in the context.