this is nothing new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is nothing new" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used any time to indicate that something is not a surprise or to emphasize that something has been happening for a long time. For example, you could write: "In the tech industry, rapid innovation is the norm; this is nothing new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is nothing new.

The New York Times

And this is nothing new.

The New Yorker

But this is nothing new.

The New York Times

But this is nothing new for Egypt.

The New York Times

Of course, this is nothing new.

The New York Times

This is nothing new by the way.

The New York Times

In some ways, this is nothing new.

The New York Times

Alas, this is nothing new.

The New York Times

Clearly, this is nothing new.

The Guardian

This is nothing new for electronics makers.

The New York Times

For Lucas, this is nothing new.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is nothing new" to gently dismiss an overreaction or surprise to something that's been ongoing or is generally known. For example, "The company's profits have been declining for years; this is nothing new."

Common error

While useful in many contexts, avoid using "this is nothing new" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more objective and analytical language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is nothing new" serves as a statement of fact, indicating that a situation, event, or piece of information is not novel or surprising. It functions to downplay the significance of something by emphasizing its familiarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is nothing new" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey a lack of surprise or novelty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across a range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its usage is widespread, consider alternative phrases like "this is not a recent development" or "this is to be expected" for more formal writing. Avoiding overuse and understanding the nuances of its meaning will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is not a recent development

Focuses on the timing of the event, implying it has occurred before.

This is old news

Emphasizes the lack of newsworthiness due to prior knowledge.

This is nothing original

Highlights the lack of innovation or uniqueness.

This is a common occurrence

Indicates that the event happens frequently.

This is standard practice

Suggests that the event is a normal procedure or custom.

This is the same old story

Implies weariness or frustration with a recurring situation.

This is to be expected

Conveys a sense of anticipation or inevitability.

This is par for the course

Indicates that the event is typical or normal in a given situation.

There's nothing new under the sun

A more philosophical expression of the same sentiment.

This is a familiar situation

Highlights the recognizability of the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is nothing new" to sound more formal?

Consider alternatives like "this is not a recent development", "this aligns with established precedents", or "the situation is consistent with prior occurrences" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "this is nothing new" and "this is not new"?

"This is nothing new" emphasizes a lack of surprise or novelty, implying something is expected or has been happening for some time. "This is not new" (/s/this+is+not+new) simply states the information is not recent, without the same level of emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "this is nothing new" in writing?

Use "this is nothing new" to indicate that a situation or event is not surprising or unexpected because it has occurred before. It's suitable in discussions, articles, or reports where you want to downplay the significance of something by highlighting its familiarity.

What are some alternative phrases to "this is nothing new" that express a similar meaning?

You can use phrases like "this is old news", "this is a common occurrence", or "this is to be expected" to convey a similar sentiment.