is virtually unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not widely recognized or familiar to most people. Example: "Despite its historical significance, the ancient artifact is virtually unknown to the general public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Outside Hollywood and Silicon Valley, the "virtual corporation" is virtually unknown.

The New York Times - Magazine

Intravenous drug misuse is virtually unknown.

The Guardian

And yet whoever holds the job is virtually unknown.

The New York Times

Excavated in 1912, it is virtually unknown outside academic circles.

The New York Times - Arts

And yet it is virtually unknown to foreigners.

The New York Times - Food

To this day, it is virtually unknown in China.

The New York Times

Blatt is virtually unknown outside of knowledgeable basketball circles.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. King, who is running for the lieutenant governor nomination, is virtually unknown to voters.

The New York Times

This is virtually unknown to the American public, thanks to the freest media on earth.

The Guardian

Even among wine aficionados, the traminette, both grape and wine, is virtually unknown and unseen.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet its history is virtually unknown by most Americans and present-day Illinoisans.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually unknown" to highlight the lack of awareness surrounding a topic or subject, especially when contrasting it with its actual importance or relevance. For instance, "Despite its impact on the ecosystem, this species is virtually unknown to the general public."

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually unknown" when the subject is merely niche or less popular, but still has a recognizable presence. Reserve it for situations where the subject is genuinely obscure and lacks significant recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually unknown" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun. It describes the state of something being almost completely unrecognized or unfamiliar. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is virtually unknown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant lack of awareness or recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appears across diverse sources, primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While its use is widespread, it's best reserved for genuinely obscure subjects to avoid overstating the degree of unfamiliarity. Alternatives such as "is hardly known" or "is not widely recognized" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost completely unrecognized

Emphasizes the lack of recognition more strongly than just being unknown.

is hardly known

A more concise way of expressing that something is not well known.

remains largely uncelebrated

Focuses on the lack of public acknowledgment or praise.

is relatively obscure

Highlights the lack of prominence or fame.

is not widely recognized

Directly states that something lacks broad recognition.

is practically unheard of

Suggests the rarity or unusualness of something.

has received scant attention

Emphasizes the minimal amount of notice something has gotten.

is unfamiliar to most

Highlights that the majority of people are not acquainted with it.

is off the beaten path

Implies that something is not commonly encountered or explored.

is a well-kept secret

Suggests that something is intentionally not widely known.

FAQs

What does "is virtually unknown" mean?

The phrase "is virtually unknown" means that something is almost entirely unrecognized or unfamiliar to most people. It suggests a severe lack of awareness.

How can I use "is virtually unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "is virtually unknown" to emphasize the lack of awareness about a particular topic. For example, "Despite its importance, the process of photosynthesis "is virtually unknown" to many people."

What are some alternatives to "is virtually unknown"?

Alternatives to "is virtually unknown" include phrases like "is hardly known", "is not widely recognized", or "is relatively obscure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is virtually unknown"?

Yes, "is virtually unknown" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It's used to describe something that lacks widespread recognition or familiarity.