previously unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously unknown" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that has recently been discovered or revealed and was not known before now. For example: Researchers recently revealed a previously unknown species of frog.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A previously unknown note".

The New Yorker

Others revealed works previously unknown.

The New Yorker

Many of these characters were previously unknown.

Independent

They are exploring previously unknown worlds.

The Guardian

"These were previously unknown to scholars.

The New York Times

Several previously unknown substances have turned up since.

The Guardian

The strain of mycoplasma affecting the finches was previously unknown.

The New York Times - Science

Archeologists unearth evidence of a previously unknown ancient language.

The New Yorker

I believe the resulting phenomena were previously unknown to science.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The more recent kidnappings have been by previously unknown groups.

The New York Times

Another previously unknown dinosaur has emerged from fossilized obscurity.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously unknown" to emphasize the novelty or recent discovery of something, especially when contrasting it with prior assumptions or knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "previously unknown" with other redundant adjectives like "new" (e.g., avoid "new previously unknown species"). The phrase already implies novelty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously unknown" functions as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. It signifies that the noun it modifies was not known or recognized before a certain point in time. Ludwig shows the phrase used in different contexts to indicate novelty and recent discovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "previously unknown" is a pre-modifying adjective phrase used to emphasize the novelty or recent discovery of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it serves to highlight new information. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid redundancy with other adjectives like "new". Alternatives include "newly discovered" or "formerly unrecognized", and choosing the right one depends on the nuance you want to convey. Overall, "previously unknown" is a valuable phrase for expressing the idea of something being newly discovered or revealed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly unrecognized

Emphasizes the lack of recognition in the past.

hitherto unacknowledged

Highlights that something was not acknowledged until now.

newly discovered

Focuses on the recent discovery of something.

recently revealed

Highlights the recent unveiling or disclosure of something.

new to the scene

Describes something as being new or recently introduced.

unexplored until now

Emphasizes the lack of prior exploration or investigation.

unidentified until now

Focuses on the prior lack of identification.

never before seen

Highlights the novelty and uniqueness of something.

freshly unearthed

Implies a recent discovery, often of something buried or hidden.

newfangled

Describes something as being strikingly new or unusual.

FAQs

How can I use "previously unknown" in a sentence?

You can use "previously unknown" to describe something that has been recently discovered or revealed. For example, "Researchers have identified a previously unknown species of bacteria."

What are some alternatives to "previously unknown"?

Alternatives include "formerly unrecognized", "newly discovered", or "recently revealed", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "new and previously unknown"?

Yes, using both "new" and "previously unknown" together is typically redundant because "previously unknown" already implies that something is new. Choose one or the other for clarity.

What is the difference between "previously unknown" and "undiscovered"?

"Previously unknown" emphasizes that something was not known before a certain point, while "undiscovered" focuses on the state of not yet being found or revealed. They are often interchangeable, but "previously unknown" can apply to concepts or facts, not just physical objects.