not hitherto

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not hitherto" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not happened or been the case up to the present time. Example: "The discovery of the ancient manuscript revealed insights that were not hitherto known to historians."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leigh is creating a cultural reality not hitherto seen in fiction.

The Guardian - Books

HUMILITY has not hitherto been a feature of Tony Blair's administration.

The Economist

He has since undergone prolonged courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy but he had not hitherto had an operation.

The Guardian - Sport

It has not hitherto been child's play, although sometimes you wonder at the antics of its star performers.

The New York Times - Sports

The activities of 20 Security Company (V) after the Tories won the 1979 election had not hitherto been revealed.

Independent

However, my call for a Congressional subpoena to overcome his attempt to limit investigation to his internal Volcker committee has flushed out a fact not hitherto disclosed.

The New York Times

But despite his delicate touch, there has not hitherto been much evidence of the quick, jokey self-mockery that characterizes these new poems.

The New York Times - Books

It was a claim that had not hitherto aroused my suspicion, or clearly that of the rival groups who would leave the Marangu with us in the morning.

The Guardian - Travel

One was Almaty, in the dictatorship of Kazakhstan, and the other was Beijing, not hitherto noted as one of the world's great winter sports resorts.

The Guardian - Sport

The national oil companies of China and India (not hitherto regarded as oil powerhouses) have also been given slices of the pie.

The Economist

One idea he had, which has not hitherto been put to the test, is that waterborne invertebrates frequently disperse by hitching lifts on birds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not hitherto", ensure the surrounding context maintains a formal tone. It's best suited for academic papers, legal documents, or other formal writing where precision and a slightly elevated style are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "not hitherto" in informal contexts or everyday conversation. Its formality can sound unnatural or pretentious in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not hitherto" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something has not occurred or been known up to the present time. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not hitherto" is a formal adverbial phrase used to indicate something has not happened or been known until now. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. Its prevalence in scientific and news contexts suggests a formal register, making it suitable for academic papers or formal reports. Alternatives include "previously unknown" or "not previously". While grammatically correct, avoid using it in informal settings. Ludwig examples underscore its appropriate use in formal and scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Previously unknown

Focuses on the lack of prior knowledge, emphasizing discovery.

Not previously

A more direct and simple substitute, suitable for less formal contexts.

Until now, not

Inverts the structure, placing emphasis on the present moment.

Heretofore unknown

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym, emphasizing the passage of time.

Not up to this point

Emphasizes a specific timeline leading to the present.

Not before this

Highlights the temporal aspect of the situation, stressing the novelty.

Never before

A simpler, more emphatic way to state that something has not occurred.

Not earlier than

Highlights temporal aspect by setting a time reference.

Unprecedentedly

Emphasizes the lack of any historical parallel

Newly discovered

A more declarative alternative, emphasizing discovery.

FAQs

How to use "not hitherto" in a sentence?

Use "not hitherto" to indicate that something has not happened or been known until the present time. For example, "The effects of this compound were "previously unknown", and thus "not hitherto" considered in the analysis."

What can I say instead of "not hitherto"?

You can use alternatives like "previously unknown", "not previously", or "until now, not" depending on the context.

Is "not hitherto" formal?

Yes, "not hitherto" is considered a formal phrase. It's best suited for academic, professional, or legal writing. Use "previously unknown" or "not previously" in less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "not hitherto" and "never before"?

"Not hitherto" is more formal and implies something hasn't been known or considered until now, while "never before" is a more emphatic and general statement indicating something has simply never happened. Choose "never before" for emphasis and "not hitherto" for formal precision.