not done before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not done before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has not previously occurred or been accomplished. Example: "This innovative approach to problem-solving is truly groundbreaking, as it is not done before in our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Shifting his sights beyond New York in a way he has not done before, Mr. Cuomo demanded that the federal Defense of Marriage Act be repealed.

The New York Times

"It's something I've not done before, so personally it's probably the biggest 80 minutes of my career," he said.

BBC

Mr Taylor said he gave him chest compressions, which he had not done before, although he had been given training.

BBC

"It is going to be exciting to be on a Northern Ireland team - it is something I have not done before," said Reid. "As well as the individual competition, there is a team relay so we could have four athletes from Northern Ireland in a mixed relay competing for a medal.

BBC

"With my writing, I try to do stuff I have not done before," she said.

Los Angeles Times

Smith was happiest tackling something he had not done before.

The Guardian

Also, the narrator comments directly to the reader, something I would have not done before.

The New Yorker

But on the Court, Kagan will have to do something she's not done before.

The New Yorker

He went all out in that campaign in a way he has not done before.

The New York Times

First, I had started to teach, which I had not done before.

The Guardian - Books

"We have now punched into Basra in a concrete way that we had not done before.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not done before" to highlight the uniqueness of an approach or action, particularly when emphasizing the benefits or potential impact of this newness.

Common error

Avoid using "not done before" if there are similar precedents. Ensure that your claim of novelty is accurate to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not done before" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate the novelty or unprecedented nature of something. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe actions, methods, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not done before" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something is unprecedented or novel. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science and general media. While alternatives like "unprecedented" or "never been done before" exist, "not done before" offers a clear and accessible way to highlight the uniqueness of an action or idea. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what aspect is new and avoid overstating novelty to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never been done before

More emphatic, stresses the complete absence of prior instances.

nothing like it has been attempted before

Emphasizes that this is a complete novelty without precedents.

unprecedented

Single word replacing the entire phrase, emphasizing the lack of prior occurrence.

first of its kind

Emphasizes uniqueness and being the initial instance.

without precedent

Indicates absence of any prior example or legal decision.

groundbreaking

Highlights the innovative and pioneering nature of the action.

a first

Shorter, more direct way of saying something is happening for the first time.

novel approach

Focuses on the newness of the method or strategy.

pioneering effort

Highlights the act of leading or initiating something new.

uncharted territory

Metaphorically expresses that something has not been explored yet.

FAQs

How can I use "not done before" in a sentence?

You can use "not done before" to emphasize the novelty of an action or idea. For example, "This type of surgery was "not done before" in this hospital".

What are some alternatives to "not done before"?

Alternatives include "unprecedented", "never been done before", or "groundbreaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what hasn't been done before when using the phrase "not done before"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what hasn't been done can provide clarity and strengthen the impact of your statement. This avoids ambiguity and highlights the specific area of innovation or novelty.

What is the difference between "not done before" and "unprecedented"?

"Not done before" is a descriptive phrase that literally means something has no prior occurrence, while "unprecedented" is a single word that also means having no precedent. "Unprecedented" often carries a stronger connotation of significance or impact.