it has never been opened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has never been opened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something, such as a package or a document, has not been accessed or utilized at any point in time. Example: "The letter was sealed tightly, and it has never been opened since it arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It has never been opened.

The New Yorker

A warmer tent has been erected for young mothers, but refugees say it has never been opened.

The Guardian

The important thing is that this is a new-old-stock unit which means it has never been opened.

TechCrunch

I certainly believe the door is open now in a way it has never been opened before.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My mum eventually twigged I'd been skipping class because my school bag looked like it had never been opened, but she turned a blind eye.

The Guardian - Sport

Similarly, in postwar correspondence with McClellan, Hill learned the lost order was found inside an envelope – presumably the delivery one, implying that it had never been opened and therefore never delivered.

The New York Times

Now its manufacturers have resolved the problem with exploding bottles, a new gadget, the Coravin, takes things even further, extracting wine through the cork via a needle, and using inert gas to preserve the remains as if it had never been opened at all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It had never been opened by Ted's mother after he died because she simply found it too painful," Mr Hill said.

BBC

"I'd get into her Marlboro Reds with a razor blades and load every cigarette in the pack [with a small charge] and then seal it up so it looked like it had never been opened.

Huffington Post

It just opened me up in a way I have never been opened up before.

The Guardian - Music

The garden is lovely, but it has never been open to the public.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has never been opened", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it has never been opened" when you should be more specific about the subject, as this phrase can be vague. For example, specify the "package", "letter", or "door" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has never been opened" functions as a descriptive statement. As Ludwig indicates, it asserts that a particular item or entity has remained in a sealed or original condition. This phrase serves to provide information about the state or history of the subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has never been opened" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe something that remains in its original, untouched state. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in news, wiki articles, and scientific papers. While fairly direct, careful attention should be paid to what “it” refers to and to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it remains unopened" or "it is unopened" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unopened

A simpler, more direct way of saying it has never been opened.

it remains unopened

Focuses on the current state of being unopened.

it has remained sealed

Emphasizes the unbroken seal.

it has not been accessed

Highlights the lack of access or usage.

it has been kept closed

Stresses the action of keeping it closed.

it has not been unsealed

Specifically refers to not breaking a seal.

it is in pristine condition

Indicates the item is untouched and perfect.

it is untouched

Simple way to describe a state of not being used or altered.

it is still in its original packaging

Specifies that the item is in the packaging as it was manufactured.

it is brand new

Implies never used because it's new.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it has never been opened"?

You can use alternatives such as "it remains unopened", "it has remained sealed", or "it is unopened depending on the context.

What does "it has never been opened" imply?

It implies that something is in its original condition, untouched or unused since its creation or sealing. This can signify preservation, newness, or a deliberate act of keeping something inaccessible.

In what situations is "it has never been opened" most appropriate?

It's appropriate when emphasizing the untouched or pristine state of an object, especially in descriptions of historical artifacts, collectibles, or products being sold as new. For instance, when describing a collectible or a vintage item, or when assuring a customer about the condition of a product.

Is "it has never been opened" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the audience or situation, you might choose a more formal alternative or a simpler, more casual phrase.