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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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however unknown

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however unknown" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a contrasting idea or point out an unknown fact or aspect. Here is an example: "However unknown to most people, the artist had a secret talent for sculpting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, unknown to anyone outside her team, she had started to suffer excruciating pain in her knee 10 weeks' beforehand.

The bound is, however, unknown.

The long-term effect is, however, unknown.

The date of the paint application is, however, unknown.

The architecture used by the provider is, however, unknown.

The cause of this increase is, however, unknown.

The implications of an Fe S Si system for the dynamo are, however, unknown.

However, unknown reasons prevented the formation of a low-resistivity,p-type GaN by doping.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

The spatial extent and distribution of Mediterranean land systems is, however, unknown.

The impact of NT-proBNP on adverse clinical outcomes is, however, unknown.

Its role for the homeostasis of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) is, however, unknown.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however unknown" to introduce a surprising or contradictory piece of information, especially when the lack of knowledge affects a preceding statement or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "however unknown" at the beginning of a sentence if the primary emphasis should be on the known information; restructure the sentence to highlight the unknown aspect as a contrasting point.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however unknown" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause. It introduces a contrasting element by highlighting a piece of information that was not previously known or considered, adding a layer of surprise or unexpectedness as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "however unknown" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting or surprising piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, serving to emphasize a lack of knowledge or awareness that influences a preceding statement. While it is generally considered neutral in tone, using it effectively involves placing the emphasis correctly to highlight the unknown aspect. Alternatives such as "yet to be discovered" or "however unnoticed" can be used to adjust the nuance. Understanding these elements ensures precise and impactful writing.

FAQs

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

"However unknown" is typically used to introduce a fact that was not previously known or considered. For example: "The risks were minimal, "however unknown" to the public at the time."

What are some alternatives to "however unknown"?

You can use alternatives like "yet to be discovered", "still unrevealed", or "however unnoticed" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "however unknown"?

While less common, it's grammatically acceptable to start a sentence with "however + adjective", to emphasize the surprising nature of what follows. For example: "However unlikely, such a scenario could still occur."

What's the difference between "however unbeknownst" and "however unknown"?

"However unbeknownst" implies that something is happening secretly or without someone's awareness, while "however unknown" simply states a lack of knowledge about something. They both introduce information previously unconsidered but have different connotations.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: