like never before

USAGE SUMMARY

"like never before" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something happening to a greater extent or intensity than ever before. For example, "She sang with passion like never before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very roughly translated that means "connect like never before".

TechCrunch

"We're thriving like never before".

The New Yorker

There was an urgency like never before".

The New York Times

"And the Molinón rocked like never before".

The Guardian - Sport

"It is testing the system like never before".

The New York Times

"The house grabbed me like never before," he said.

The New York Times

We're getting recognized and appreciated like never before".

The New York Times

This has certainly attracted, like never before, the attention of the biotech business and investor community.

Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science

People will be taking to robots like never before!

TechCrunch

"We need to come together like never before," she said.

Los Angeles Times

And Bhardwaj ensures she sparkles like never before".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like never before" to emphasize a significant change or increase in something. This phrase is most effective when you want to convey that the current situation is markedly different from anything experienced in the past.

Common error

Avoid using "like never before" in situations that are only slightly different or not truly unprecedented. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like never before" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree or intensity of an action or state. It signifies that something is happening to a greater extent than it ever has previously. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Los Angeles Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like never before" is a grammatically correct and widely used adverbial phrase that signifies an unprecedented degree or intensity. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for most writing contexts. Its frequency is classified as very common, primarily appearing in news and media, wiki sources, and blogs. When writing, it's important to use this phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "more than ever before" or "to an unprecedented degree" can be used for variety. The sources show the versatility of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as never before

Inverts the structure slightly while retaining the core meaning.

more than ever before

Uses 'more than' to emphasize the increased quantity or intensity.

as we've never seen

Shifts the focus to the observer's perspective and past experience.

to an unprecedented degree

Replaces 'like never before' with a more formal and explicit phrasing.

unprecedentedly

Changes a multi-word phrase into a single adverb for conciseness.

with unmatched intensity

Highlights the strength or force of the action.

in an unparalleled manner

Offers a more formal and sophisticated alternative.

on a scale unseen before

Emphasizes the magnitude or extent of the action.

at a record level

Focuses on achieving a peak or high point that hasn't been reached before.

in ways never imagined

Highlights the novelty and inventiveness of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "like never before" in a sentence?

You can use "like never before" to emphasize a significant change or increase in something. For example, "She sang with passion "like never before"."

What's a more formal way to say "like never before"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative to "like never before", you could use phrases such as "to an unprecedented degree" or "in an unparalleled manner".

Is it always appropriate to use "like never before"?

While "like never before" is generally acceptable, it's most effective when the situation you're describing truly represents a significant and unprecedented change. Overusing it can weaken its impact.

What is the difference between "more than ever before" and "like never before"?

The phrases "more than ever before" and "like never before" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both are used to indicate that something is happening to a greater extent or intensity than in the past.