of unprecedented proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of unprecedented proportion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptionally large or significant, often in a context of impact or scale. Example: "The natural disaster caused damage of unprecedented proportion, affecting thousands of lives and homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Governor McGreevey's administration recently went before the State Supreme Court to ask for a one-year "time out" to evaluate the current reforms under way and to seek relief to address "a fiscal crisis of unprecedented proportion".

The New York Times

Outgoing Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson leaves for his successor a task of unprecedented proportion.

Forbes

This is an alarm bell of unprecedented proportion.

Huffington Post

The couple, also referred to as "Methan," have cultivated a fan following of unprecedented proportion.

Huffington Post

Without an autopsy, prosecutors can have a harder time proving cause of death in criminal cases, and states may miss crucial public health information, especially during a crisis of unprecedented proportion.

Vice

Runaway consumption and the exploitation of natural resources and human labor have created a severe burden for poor people, especially in developing nations, and a crisis of unprecedented proportion for everyone.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The groundwork was laid for a confrontation of unprecedented proportions.

The New York Times

To many, "lowest low" is hard evidence of imminent disaster of unprecedented proportions.

The New York Times - Magazine

The disaster in Krymsk has generated a volunteer relief operation of unprecedented proportions.

The New Yorker

"As I speak, terrorist attacks of unprecedented proportions are underway in the Paris area.

Independent

It was a victory of unprecedented proportions for the party led by Yukio Hatoyama.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of unprecedented proportion", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared to emphasize the unique nature of the scale or impact. This helps to effectively convey the magnitude of the situation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "of unprecedented proportion" for events that are merely large or significant without being truly unique in historical or comparative terms. Overusing it can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of unprecedented proportion" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is of a scale or degree that has not been seen before. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of unprecedented proportion" is a powerful adjectival modifier used to emphasize the extraordinary scale or impact of an event, crisis, or development. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business writing. While synonyms like "of unparalleled magnitude" and "of unprecedented scale" exist, it's crucial to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact. Overuse can diminish its effectiveness, as it is intended to convey something genuinely unique and historically significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of unparalleled magnitude

Replaces 'proportion' with 'magnitude', emphasizing the size or scale of something without historical comparison.

of unprecedented scale

Substitutes 'proportion' with 'scale', highlighting the extent or scope of something that has not happened before.

of historic dimensions

Uses 'historic dimensions' instead of 'unprecedented proportion' to emphasize the historical significance and size of the event or situation.

of record-breaking extent

Replaces 'unprecedented proportion' with 'record-breaking extent', focusing on the unparalleled reach or scope.

of unmatched significance

Substitutes 'unprecedented proportion' with 'unmatched significance' shifting the emphasis to importance and uniqueness.

of extraordinary size

Replaces 'unprecedented proportion' with 'extraordinary size' focusing on physical dimensions.

of exceptional degree

Substitutes 'proportion' with 'degree', focusing on the intensity or level of something that is unusual.

of landmark magnitude

Uses 'landmark magnitude' to emphasize that the size or scale has some historical relevance.

of singular immensity

Replaces 'unprecedented proportion' with 'singular immensity' highlighting the great size.

of unequaled gravity

Substitutes 'unprecedented proportion' with 'unequaled gravity', highlighting the seriousness.

FAQs

How can I use "of unprecedented proportion" in a sentence?

Use "of unprecedented proportion" to describe something exceptionally large or significant, often in a context of impact or scale. For example: "The crisis reached levels of unprecedented proportion."

What are some alternatives to "of unprecedented proportion"?

You can use alternatives like "of unparalleled magnitude", "of unprecedented scale", or "of historic dimensions" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "of unprecedented proportion" in formal writing?

Yes, "of unprecedented proportion" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing significant events or developments in news articles, academic papers, or business reports.

What distinguishes "of unprecedented proportion" from "of great magnitude"?

"Of unprecedented proportion" implies something is not only large but also unique in its scale or impact compared to anything previously known. "Of great magnitude"/s/of+great+magnitude simply indicates something is very large or significant.