not unprecedented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not unprecedented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has occurred before, implying that it is not entirely new or without prior examples. Example: "The recent increase in remote work is not unprecedented, as many companies adopted similar practices during the last economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

This is not unprecedented.

The New York Times - Sports

That is not unprecedented.

The New York Times

It was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

Riggleman's action is not unprecedented.

The New York Times - Sports

This situation is not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

This approach is not unprecedented.

The New York Times

This paradigm is not unprecedented.

The New York Times

Fine's undertaking was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

Such inspirations are not unprecedented.

The New York Times

Demapping is not unprecedented.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not unprecedented" to subtly acknowledge potential surprise or concern while reassuring the audience that similar situations have occurred before, offering a sense of stability and context.

Common error

Avoid using "not unprecedented" too frequently in formal documents, as it can diminish the impact of your analysis. Opt for more precise language that specifies the nature and relevance of past occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not unprecedented" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, often used to qualify a noun or situation. It serves to temper surprise or concern by indicating that similar events or circumstances have occurred in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not unprecedented" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something has occurred before. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While it suggests that an event isn't entirely new, it doesn't speak to its frequency, which could range from rare to common. When writing, use it to provide context, mitigate concern, and avoid overusing it in formal settings to maintain impact. Alternatives include "not unheard of" or "not unusual". The phrase enjoys high source quality and expert rating, underscoring its reliability and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not unparalleled

Emphasizes the lack of perfect similarity, suggesting there are similar but not identical instances.

not unheard of

Indicates the event is known to occur, though perhaps not commonly.

not unusual

Suggests the occurrence is within the realm of normal or expected events.

not uncommon

Implies that the event happens with some regularity.

not exceptional

Highlights that the instance does not stand out as being particularly remarkable.

not rare

Directly indicates that the event is not infrequent.

has happened before

A straightforward statement indicating prior occurrence.

there is precedent

Highlights that a prior example exists, often implying it sets a standard or justification.

within the bounds of possibility

Suggests event happening but not with certainty.

not out of the ordinary

Indicates the event is within regular expectations and does not deviate from standard occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "not unprecedented" in a sentence?

You can use "not unprecedented" to indicate that a situation, event, or action has occurred before. For example, "The company's decision to cut dividends is "not unprecedented"; it happened during the 2008 financial crisis as well."

What are some alternatives to "not unprecedented"?

Alternatives to "not unprecedented" include "not unusual", "not unheard of", or "not unparalleled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not unprecedented" or "unprecedented"?

Saying "not unprecedented" implies that while the situation may seem novel, similar events have occurred. "Unprecedented" means it has absolutely never happened before. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

What's the difference between "not unprecedented" and "common"?

"Not unprecedented" suggests that something has occurred before, but doesn't imply frequency. "Common" means it happens often. A situation can be "not unprecedented" but still "rare".