never used before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never used before" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has never been done or seen in the past. For example, "This new software contains a feature that has never been used before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm using different muscles I've never used before," he said.

The New York Times

That's a word I never used before this".

The New York Times

"We were able to give a drug we've never used before for this mutation".

The New York Times

Roach taught Pacquiao elusive tactics, blocking tactics and sidestepping tactics that he had never used before.

The New York Times - Sports

(The field glasses would have to be new and never used before).

The New Yorker

They were conducted through a stockbroker, Charles Stanley, which Lord Archer had never used before.

The Economist

But it would have to resort to unconventional approaches that it has never used before.

The New York Times

For his 70th birthday last month, a friend gave him a bulb he'd never used before; Turrell was ecstatic.

The New York Times - Magazine

So-called forward guidance is considered one of the tools available to central banks, but one the E.C.B. had never used before.

The New York Times

Officers fired Tasers at him – a model an inquest heard they had never used before – and the weapon Moat was holding went off, killing him.

The Guardian

This book would be compulsive reading even if it were not a uniquely valuable history; which it is, because Dalrymple has uncovered sources never used before.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing innovation, use "never used before" to highlight the novelty of a technique, product, or approach. This can add impact to descriptions of new technologies, strategies, or creative endeavors.

Common error

Avoid using "never used before" to describe something that is only trivially different. Reserve it for genuinely innovative or significant changes, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never used before" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically describing a noun or action by indicating that it is novel or unprecedented. As Ludwig illustrates, it is frequently used to describe new methods, technologies or approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "never used before" is a versatile adverbial modifier that effectively highlights novelty and innovation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. With a neutral register, it fits various contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. When writing, use it to emphasize the uniqueness of new techniques or products, but avoid overusing it for trivial differences. Alternatives like "brand new" or "unprecedented" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase is very common in news media, scientific and general writing, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brand new

This alternative is shorter, implying that something is completely new or unused.

entirely new

This alternative emphasizes the complete newness of something.

novel

This is a single-word alternative that focuses on the newness of something.

unprecedented

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence.

unique

This emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled quality.

first of its kind

This emphasizes originality and uniqueness of what is described.

groundbreaking

This emphasizes the innovative and impactful nature of something new.

hitherto unknown

This alternative is highly formal, suggesting something was not known until now.

nothing like it existed before

This is a more descriptive way to highlight absolute uniqueness.

fresh

This is an informal and concise way to say something is new.

FAQs

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

You can use "never used before" to describe something that is new, innovative, or unprecedented. For example, "The company implemented a marketing strategy that it had "never used before"".

What are some alternatives to "never used before"?

Some alternatives include "brand new", "unprecedented", or "first of its kind", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not used before" instead of "never used before"?

While "not used before" is grammatically correct, "never used before" is more emphatic and commonly used to highlight the novelty of something. Depending on the context of the sentence, the phrases may be used interchangeably.

What is the difference between "never seen before" and "never used before"?

"Never seen before" refers to something visually new or unseen, while "never used before" refers to something that has not been utilized or implemented previously. They are used in different contexts to emphasize different types of novelty; "never seen before" is appropriate for visual experiences, while "never used before" is suitable for methods or tools.