Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
not previously observed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "not previously observed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as scientific research, discussions about discoveries, or observations in various fields. Example: "The researchers noted a phenomenon that was not previously observed in the study of marine life."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
A new type of bifurcation diagram, not previously observed, has been found in parameter space.
Science
Identifications of these features, not previously observed in astrophysical spectra, are presented in this paper.
Science
Its team, more than Colorado, is pushing boundaries not previously observed in the country.
News & Media
Since microspheres were not previously observed in a spheroplast solution, the question arises whether restored rod-shaped Hbt. salinarum cells originate from microspheres, spheroplasts or both.
Science & Research
The extended time period for full dissociation and the likely dependence of this time on thread thickness may explain why this was not previously observed.
Science & Research
Depending on the type of hypothetical events, a scenario based on such events may result in changes in risk factors that were not previously observed.
Academia
Ardi presents a unique anatomical mosaic not previously observed in any other living or fossil hominid or ape.
Encyclopedias
The translation of the technology to clinic has been hindered by poor distribution not previously observed in smaller pre-clinical models.
A representative of the series was characterized in kinetic studies and determined to have a mode of inhibition not previously observed for TNAP inhibitors.
Modeled substrates suggest that the fingers in the vicinity of the incoming nucleotide is closed, a conformation not previously observed for an unliganded polymerase.
Science
In the light of the Countdown2010 target of halting the loss of biodiversity, we used these new data to test whether or not previously observed trends were altered.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "not previously observed" in scientific writing, ensure you clearly define the scope of the observation. Specify the context, such as a particular study, experiment, or field of research, to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "not previously observed" without specifying the context. Saying "this phenomenon has not previously been observed" can be misleading if it has been observed in a different field or under different conditions. Always provide the necessary qualifiers.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "not previously observed" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to highlight the novelty of a finding, phenomenon, or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and effectively conveys that something has not been seen or documented before. The examples show it often appears in scientific and academic contexts.
Frequent in
Science
85%
Academia
10%
News & Media
3%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
1%
Wiki
1%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "not previously observed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, predominantly found in scientific and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight the novelty of a finding or phenomenon. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the context to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "never before seen" or "unprecedented" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is most frequently encountered in scientific publications, with less common usage in encyclopedias and general web content. The high source quality and consistent usage contribute to a positive expert rating.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
never before seen
Emphasizes the lack of prior visual experience or documentation.
unprecedented
Highlights the lack of prior occurrence or parallel.
newly discovered
Focuses on the recent finding or unveiling of something.
hitherto unknown
Formally indicates something not known up to this point.
unexplored
Suggests an area or topic that hasn't been investigated.
uncharted
Implies a lack of mapping or documentation of a particular area.
novel
Highlights the new or innovative nature of something.
unique
Stresses the unparalleled or one-of-a-kind quality.
original
Focuses on the inventive or first-of-its-kind aspect.
groundbreaking
Highlights the innovative and impactful nature of a discovery.
FAQs
How can I use "not previously observed" in a sentence?
You can use "not previously observed" to describe a new finding or phenomenon, such as "This behavior was "not previously observed" in this species" or "A new type of bifurcation diagram, "not previously observed", has been found in parameter space".
What are some alternatives to saying "not previously observed"?
Alternatives include "never before seen", "unprecedented", "newly discovered", or "hitherto unknown". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.
Is it better to say "never observed" or "not previously observed"?
"Not previously observed" is often preferred in formal or scientific writing because it acknowledges the possibility that something might be known but not documented or recognized within a specific context. "Never observed" suggests a complete lack of any prior observation.
What's the difference between "not previously observed" and "unprecedented"?
"Not previously observed" indicates that something has not been seen or documented before. "Unprecedented" implies that something is entirely new and without any prior example or parallel. "Unprecedented" often carries a stronger connotation of significance or impact.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested