never been touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never been touched" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a thing or concept that has not been used, interacted with, or altered in any way. For example: "This book has been sitting on the shelf for years; the cover is still pristine, as if it has never been touched."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's never been touched".

The New York Times

He likes what's never been touched.

The New Yorker

Bolt has never been touched by this.

The Guardian - Sport

Berlusconi himself has never been touched by allegations of corruption.

Independent

"The rest of Toledo, it's never been touched," Manuela said.

The New York Times - Travel

"These are people who have never been touched before".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And they seemed exalted, inviolable: they never moved, never were touched.

The New Yorker

Fuel duty has become the tax that must never be touched.

The Guardian

Republicans and Democrats promised in their platforms that the Social Security surplus would never be touched.

The New York Times

These novel lenses would never be touched by human hands -- they would be cut by an elaborate machine, a self-regulating & automatic device.

Princeton University

But the archbishop's letter is a prod in the ribs for a state that assumed it could never be touched by racism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never been touched" to create a sense of originality, purity, or lack of interference, particularly when describing historical artifacts, natural environments, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "never been touched" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise language regarding experimental controls or material properties is necessary. Opt for terms like 'uncontaminated', 'unmodified', or 'unadulterated' for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never been touched" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something as being in its original, unaltered condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "never been touched" is a versatile expression used to describe something in its original, pristine state, free from alteration or use. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Its function is to emphasize originality or purity, and it is commonly found in news & media, science, and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, contexts requiring technical precision may call for more specific terminology. When used thoughtfully, "never been touched" effectively conveys a sense of untouched authenticity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained untouched

Focuses on the continuation of the untouched state over time. It suggest a duration or persistence of being unaffected.

entirely unaltered

Focuses on the absence of any modifications or changes, stressing the original state.

completely unaffected

Stresses the totality of being untouched, implying no impact or influence whatsoever.

untouched until now

Emphasizes a change in state, highlighting that something previously untouched is now being affected.

never manipulated

Highlights the absence of any intentional influence or change, focusing on control and alteration.

pristine condition

Highlights the unblemished and original state, emphasizing purity and lack of alteration.

left intact

Indicates that something remains whole and undamaged, implying a preservation of its original form.

unspoiled by human contact

Stresses the preservation of something's natural state due to the absence of human interference.

wholly unblemished

Emphasizes the lack of any flaws or imperfections, reinforcing the idea of untouched purity.

as good as new

Compares the state to a newly manufactured item, implying no wear or use.

FAQs

How can I use "never been touched" in a sentence?

You can use "never been touched" to describe something that is in its original condition or has not been used or altered, such as "This painting has "never been touched" by restorers" or "The land is pristine because it has "never been touched" by humans".

What are some alternatives to "never been touched"?

Alternatives to "never been touched" include "remained untouched", "completely unaffected", or "pristine condition", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "never been touched" literally?

While "never been touched" can be used literally, it is sometimes used figuratively to describe something that is new or has not been influenced. Consider the context to ensure your meaning is clear.

What's the difference between "never been touched" and "untouched"?

"Untouched" is a more concise way of saying "never been touched". Both generally mean the same thing, but "never been touched" can sometimes emphasize the duration or lack of previous contact more strongly. For example "left intact" also works well.