hitherto unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"hitherto unknown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "hitherto unknown" when referring to something that has been recently discovered or revealed and is unknown before that point. For example, "The team of archaeologists unearthed a hitherto unknown temple in the jungle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mechanisms underlying this synergism were hitherto unknown.

Nature

Her hitherto unknown academic prowess has raised eyebrows.

The Guardian

From his balloon, Stephen sees vistas hitherto unknown.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, certain hitherto unknown solutions are found.

Chemical Engineering Science

"This is a hitherto unknown and unpublished letter," Swanson said in telephone interview last week.

The Washington Post

Creatures hitherto unknown to science still pop up at intervals along shores and estuaries.

The Guardian

Within four weeks, this flank bulged out with hitherto unknown speed (see Figure 1).

University of California, Berkeley

Next she even surprised herself by channeling her hitherto unknown inner Marxist with a dialectic analysis.

The Guardian

Enter a new era of physics, and a world of hitherto unknown particles and forces.

The Guardian

In April, hitherto unknown Pastor Evan Mawarire uploaded to Facebook an impassioned video calling for reform.

The Washington Post

"Cassidy's Run" is a meticulous reconstruction of a hitherto unknown counterespionage case.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hitherto unknown" to add a touch of formality and precision when describing something newly discovered or revealed. It's particularly effective in academic, scientific, or journalistic contexts where accuracy and a slightly elevated tone are desired.

Common error

Avoid using "hitherto unknown" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "newly discovered" or "previously unknown" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hitherto unknown" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective. It describes a noun by indicating that the noun was not known or discovered until the present time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hitherto unknown" is a grammatically sound and relatively frequent phrase primarily used as a pre-modifying adjective to emphasize the novelty of a discovery or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic writing. Its usage effectively conveys that the subject being described has only recently come to light. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives such as "previously undiscovered" or "newly revealed". Remember to wield the phrase carefully to avoid sounding overly pretentious in casual settings. The phrase's prominence in sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and scientific journals underscores its authoritative and widespread use in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Previously undiscovered

Focuses on the act of discovery rather than the state of being unknown up to that point.

Newly revealed

Emphasizes the act of making something known that was previously concealed.

Recently identified

Highlights the act of recognizing or determining something's identity for the first time.

Unexplored until now

Implies a lack of investigation or examination up to the present time.

Undisclosed until now

Focuses on the information being kept secret up to the present.

Unrecognized until now

Highlights a lack of acknowledgment or awareness up to the current moment.

Uncharted

Suggests a lack of mapping or documentation, especially in a geographical context.

Uninvestigated

Emphasizes the lack of formal inquiry or research into a subject.

Unheard of

Suggests something is unprecedented or exceptional because it has never been known or done before.

Brand new

Implies a thing is completely novel and has just come into existence or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "hitherto unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "hitherto unknown" to describe something that was not known before a certain point. For example, "The research revealed a "hitherto unknown" species of insect in the Amazon rainforest."

What are some alternatives to "hitherto unknown"?

Alternatives include "previously undiscovered", "newly revealed", or "recently identified". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hitherto unknown" formal or informal?

"Hitherto unknown" is considered a formal phrase. It is more commonly found in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing rather than in casual conversation.

What does "hitherto" actually mean in the phrase "hitherto unknown"?

The word "hitherto" means "until now" or "up to this time". Therefore, "hitherto unknown" means "unknown until now". It emphasizes that something has only recently become known.