previously unused

USAGE SUMMARY

"previously unused" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has not been utilized or employed before a certain point in time. An example is: "The team implemented a previously unused strategy to improve efficiency." Alternative expressions include "never before used" and "unused until now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It had something to do with unlocking previously unused parts of the brain.

The New Yorker

Now three new "designer" bedrooms have been added in previously unused top-floor space.

The Guardian - Travel

Their chosen venue is expected to be a building previously unused for performance, rather than one of the existing auditoria.

The Guardian

Open recruitment exams, merit appraisals and performance checks are being experimented with in a service previously unused to modern ideas.

The Economist

It's due for release on 24 March, and is set to feature previously unused tracks meant for their eponymous 1997 album.

The Guardian - Music

Many have turned to scarcely regulated compounding pharmacies; some have purchased medicines unlawfully from abroad; and many have turned to pharmaceuticals previously unused in death chambers.

The Guardian

Has Europe just discovered a previously unused muscle that can be flexed a little in the interest of Middle East peace?

The New York Times

It included previously unused film from an October 2002 interview with Dr. Kelly in which he was asked whether there was an "immediate threat" from Mr. Hussein's chemical or biological weapons.

The New York Times

Q: Will eBay be introducing two-factor authentication (where you have to enter a code from a mobile device or previously printed list in order to log in from a previously unused device)?

The Guardian - Tech

Until he wasn't: as he geared up to perform the title track of "4:44," Jay slunk behind his previously unused microphone stand, looking as if he needed shelter.

The New Yorker

Conversely, there are examples, such as the 14 MW solar array at Marsh Farm, where a solar farm on previously unused land is now running livestock for the first time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing innovative approaches, use "previously unused" to highlight the novelty and originality of the method or resource.

Common error

Avoid using "previously unused" when referring to items that were merely forgotten or misplaced; it implies a deliberate lack of prior application, not just accidental disuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously unused" primarily functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing resources, methods, or spaces that have not been utilized before. It adds specificity by indicating the novelty or lack of prior application of the modified noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "previously unused" functions as a compound adjective signifying something that has not been utilized before a specific time. Ludwig's examples show that it is commonly used across various domains, including science, news media, and general contexts. Its primary function is to highlight the novelty or lack of prior application of a described noun, making it useful for emphasizing innovation. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, fitting within a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember that it should imply a deliberate lack of prior application rather than simple neglect or misplacement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never before utilized

Strongly emphasizes that something has never been used until now.

formerly unexploited

Focuses on the lack of exploitation in the past.

hitherto unutilized

Emphasizes that something has not been put to use up until now.

newly implemented

Highlights the recent implementation of something.

newly adopted

Focuses on the recent adoption or acceptance of something.

recently activated

Emphasizes the recent activation or enabling of something.

formerly untouched

Highlights that something was not affected or used in the past.

previously untapped

Emphasizes that a resource or potential was not exploited earlier.

newly employed

Focuses on the recent employment or usage of something.

initially unapplied

Highlights the initial lack of application of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "previously unused" to describe something that has not been utilized before a certain point in time. For example: "The company decided to explore "previously unused methods" to increase productivity."

What are some alternatives to "previously unused"?

Alternatives to "previously unused" include "formerly unexploited", "hitherto unutilized", or "never before utilized", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "unused previously" instead of "previously unused"?

While "unused previously" might be understandable, "previously unused" is the more standard and grammatically preferred order of words. It aligns with common English adjectival placement.

What's the difference between "previously unused" and "newly implemented"?

"Previously unused" emphasizes the lack of prior utilization, whereas "newly implemented" highlights the recent action of putting something into use. They focus on different aspects of the situation.