previously unseen

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously unseen" is a correct phrase for written English.
You can use it when you want to imply that something was not seen before, but it has been seen now. For example, "Scientists have now discovered a previously unseen species of frog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Previously unseen events become unignorable.

The Guardian

It features rare and previously unseen footage.

The Guardian - Travel

A previously unseen photo of Rimbaud is unveiled in Paris.

The New Yorker

The secondary is playing with a previously unseen swagger.

The New York Times - Sports

This is where Ella uncovered previously unseen oak beams.

The Guardian - Travel

"This was internet sex offending on a previously unseen scale.

Independent

Adjusting to a previously unseen course proved less daunting.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, many of her dispatches from Europe reveal narratives previously unseen.

The New Yorker

Includes previously unseen footage of one of the zoo orangutans giving birth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Today the government has published previously unseen data on the size of our property estate.

The Guardian

He has been given permission by the poet's estate to include the previously unseen poem.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "previously unseen" to add emphasis to the novelty or uniqueness of a discovery, event, or piece of information. It can highlight the importance of the new finding.

Common error

Avoid using "previously unseen" when the context already implies novelty. For instance, saying "a brand new, previously unseen invention" is redundant; simply "a brand new invention" suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously unseen" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that has not been observed or known before. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously unseen" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that has not been observed before. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, be sure to use it to emphasize novelty, but avoid overuse in redundant situations. Consider alternatives like "newly discovered" or "never before seen" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never before seen

Directly states that something has not been witnessed previously.

newly discovered

Focuses on the aspect of recent discovery, implying something was unseen until now.

not previously observed

Emphasizes the lack of prior observation or scrutiny.

hitherto unknown

Emphasizes the lack of prior knowledge about something.

just uncovered

Focuses on the act of finding or exposing something recently.

newly revealed

Suggests that something has just been made public or apparent.

undisclosed until now

Highlights the aspect of revealing something that was kept secret.

unexplored until now

Emphasizes the lack of investigation or examination of something.

freshly unearthed

Implies discovery through digging or investigation.

new on the scene

Highlights the novelty and recent appearance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously unseen" to describe something that has not been observed or known before. For instance, "The scientist presented "previously unseen" data at the conference."

What are some alternatives to "previously unseen"?

Some alternatives include "newly discovered", "never before seen", or "hitherto unknown", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "previously unseen" formal or informal?

"Previously unseen" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "previously unseen" and "previously unknown"?

"Previously unseen" refers specifically to something that has not been visually observed before, while "previously unknown" refers to something that was not known or recognized before, regardless of whether it was visually observed.