is without precedent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is without precedent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has never occurred before or lacks any prior example. Example: "The decision made by the court is without precedent, setting a new standard for future cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This outbreak is without precedent.

The Economist

It is without precedent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is without precedent in the books.

Cornell University

What has occurred subsequently is without precedent".

The Guardian - Sport

The daughter privately believes that this garden is without precedent.

The New Yorker

Such a feat is without precedent in the scientific literature.

The Guardian

"In our modern era, that is without precedent," he said.

The Guardian

What has happened to McCarthy since 2011 is without precedent.

The Guardian - Film

The scale of urbanization in China is without precedent in human history.

Yale University

"What we are doing here is without precedent, and so many officials are uneasy".

The New York Times

No country has ever been stripped of a World Cup, so this is without precedent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is without precedent" to emphasize the uniqueness and novelty of a situation or event. It's particularly effective when highlighting a significant departure from established norms or historical patterns.

Common error

Avoid using "is without precedent" for minor or commonplace occurrences. Save it for truly exceptional situations to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is without precedent" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to emphasize the uniqueness or novelty of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used and understood in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is without precedent" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the uniqueness of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, reserve this phrase for truly exceptional cases to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "is unprecedented" or "has no parallel" can offer similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance. Remember, using "is without precedent" effectively means deploying it judiciously to highlight genuine novelty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unprecedented

This is a more concise synonym focusing on the lack of prior occurrence.

has no parallel

Emphasizes the lack of a comparable event or situation.

is unmatched

Highlights the superior or unique quality without equal.

is unparalleled

Stresses the lack of similarity in scale or quality.

stands alone

Indicates the subject is isolated in its uniqueness.

sets a new standard

Focuses on the establishment of a new benchmark.

breaks new ground

Suggests innovation and exploration into uncharted territory.

is exceptional

Highlights the extraordinary nature of the subject.

is a first of its kind

Directly states the novelty of the subject.

is historically unique

Places the uniqueness in a historical context.

FAQs

How can I use "is without precedent" in a sentence?

Use "is without precedent" to describe events or situations that have never occurred before. For example: "The scale of this technological advancement "is without precedent"."

What phrases are similar to "is without precedent"?

Alternatives include "is unprecedented", "has no parallel", or "is unparalleled". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "is unprecedented" or "is without precedent"?

Both "is unprecedented" and "is without precedent" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Is unprecedented" is more concise, while "is without precedent" might add slightly more emphasis.

What's the difference between "is without precedent" and "sets a new standard"?

"Is without precedent" emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence, while "sets a new standard" focuses on establishing a new benchmark for future events.