Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

haven't used before

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(CDS-42) One system was used to inform colleagues at another hospital by sharing information on best practice: "It has happened several times that people from the national hospital have contacted us saying that they planned to give a cure that they haven't used before and then asked us of we could send [information from CDS] electronically" (CDS-8).

"I'm exercising muscles I haven't used before," he says.

News & Media

Forbes

Before purchasing a new drug, or a substitute you haven't used before, make sure to read the patient leaflet enclosed for you.

Especially if you're choosing a new kind of drumstick or a brand or size you haven't used before, ask if you can try them.

"If you're counting gadget plays, there'll be some plays we haven't used before -- five, six, maybe seven.

News & Media

The New York Times

You have a toolbox as an actor, and it's lovely when someone asks you to use some of the tools you haven't used before.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Since it was a new motherboard that I hadn't used before, I hoped I'd just picked the wrong jack, so I tried all 6 headphone jacks on the back of the motherboard, but still no audio.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The process, which usually involves chopping, stirring, sautéing and whatever else is needed, is designed to give those who love to cook a new experience and teach them techniques and methods they have not used before.

These functions are required because enterprises need to maintain relationships with one or more cloud service providers that they have not used before.

The process works by introducing an extra step after an account holder has typed their username and password into a device they have not used before.

News & Media

BBC

She helped me to apply for new services that I have not used before, for example, behavioural management, nursing care for the wound, catheter, and continence services [Greek 1].

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new experience, use "haven't used before" to clearly communicate your lack of prior experience with it.

Common error

Do not use "haven't used before" when the context already implies novelty or inexperience. For instance, instead of saying "a completely new technology I haven't used before", simply say "a completely new technology".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "haven't used before" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a lack of prior experience or familiarity. It often clarifies that something is new to the speaker or subject, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "haven't used before" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to express a lack of prior experience with something. Ludwig's analysis shows its usage spans across various contexts like news, wiki articles, and scientific publications, though it's less frequent in strictly formal or business settings. When writing, ensure the context doesn't already imply novelty to avoid redundancy. While this phrase is generally acceptable, using more formal alternatives such as "not previously utilized" may be appropriate for certain audiences. The examples provided by Ludwig highlights that "haven't used before" effectively communicates unfamiliarity and provides context for new experiences.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "haven't used before" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "not previously utilized" or "unfamiliar with" to convey a similar meaning in a more formal tone.

What's a simpler way to say "haven't used before"?

Simpler alternatives include "new to me" or "never tried before", which are more conversational and easier to understand.

Is it correct to say "I have not used before" instead of "haven't used before"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "have not used before" is more formal. "Haven't" is a contraction and is generally used in more casual contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "haven't used before"?

Use "haven't used before" when you want to emphasize that something is a new experience for you or that you lack prior knowledge or experience with it. For instance, "I'm trying a new software I "haven't used before"."

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: