is not new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not new" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to communicate that something is not novel or original. For example, "The concept of vaccinations is not new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

VRA is not new.

The Economist

This is not new.

The New York Times

Customization is not new.

The New York Times - Arts

Uncertainty is not new.

The New York Times

Populism is not new.

The Economist

Terrorism is not new.

The Economist

Foiling is not new.

The New York Times - Sports

Ergodic notation is not new.

The New York Times

The development is not new.

Independent

Mumbai's poverty is not new.

The Economist

Such courage is not new.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not new", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is and why its lack of novelty is relevant to the discussion. For example, 'While the technology is not new, its application in this field is groundbreaking.'

Common error

Avoid using "is not new" to describe something that is widely known to be old or established. Instead, focus on nuances or specific aspects that might be less known. For example, rather than saying 'The wheel is not new', you could say 'The application of the wheel in vertical farming is a novel approach'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not new" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or concept as lacking novelty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples, demonstrating its role in indicating that something has pre-existing origins or is not a recent development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not new" effectively communicates that something lacks originality or recent origin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicate adjective, commonly found in news and media sources to provide context or manage expectations. While grammatically straightforward, its effective use depends on a clear understanding of the subject and the relevance of its non-novelty. To enhance writing, consider using more specific alternatives like "is not original" or "has been around for a while" depending on the context. Remember to avoid stating the obvious and instead focus on the less-known aspects of the subject to add more value to your writing. Ultimately, while the phrase "is not new" itself "is not new", its proper usage can significantly enhance the clarity and depth of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not original

Replaces 'new' with 'original', directly focusing on the lack of innovation.

is not unprecedented

Indicates that similar things have happened before, removing the element of uniqueness.

is not a recent development

Specifies that the subject has existed for some time, emphasizing its established nature.

has a long history

States directly that the subject has an extensive past, negating the idea of it being a recent creation.

is a long-standing idea

Highlights the historical aspect of the concept, implying it's been around for a while.

is an established concept

Focuses on the idea that the concept is well-known and accepted.

has been around for a while

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate the extended existence of something.

is nothing groundbreaking

Emphasizes the lack of innovation or revolutionary impact.

predates current events

Emphasizes that the subject's origin is before the current timeline, highlighting its history.

is old news

Uses a common idiom to convey that the subject is no longer interesting or relevant because it's been known for some time.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not new"?

When something "is not new", it means that the concept, idea, or thing has existed for some time and isn't a recent invention or discovery. It implies a lack of novelty or originality.

How can I use "is not new" in a sentence?

You can use "is not new" to indicate that an idea or practice has been around for a while. For example, "The concept of remote work "is not new"; it has been practiced in various forms for decades."

What are some alternatives to saying something "is not new"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is not original", "is not a recent development", or "has been around for a while", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between saying something "is not new" and saying it "is old"?

While both suggest a lack of novelty, "is not new" often implies that the thing has been around for some time, whereas "is old" can sometimes suggest that it is outdated or no longer relevant. The choice depends on the specific context and the message you want to convey.