this is unprecedented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is unprecedented" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that has never happened before or is without precedent. Example: "The global response to the pandemic is unprecedented, affecting economies and societies in ways we have never seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"And this is unprecedented".

The New York Times

"But this is unprecedented.

The New York Times

This is unprecedented stuff.

Cornell University

"This is unprecedented here".

The New York Times

So this is unprecedented.

The New Yorker

'This is unprecedented.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

All this was unprecedented.

The New Yorker

"This was unprecedented".

The New York Times

Volume like this was unprecedented.

The New Yorker

This was unprecedented in painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I thought this was unprecedented," Arai said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is unprecedented" to underscore the unique nature of a situation, especially when emphasizing the lack of prior examples or established procedures. Always consider if the context genuinely warrants such a strong claim.

Common error

Avoid using "this is unprecedented" hyperbolically for situations that are merely unusual or surprising, but not truly without historical parallel. Overusing it dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is unprecedented" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It serves to assert the novelty and uniqueness of a particular event, situation, or phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms that this is the standard use, emphasizing the lack of prior instances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is unprecedented" is a powerful declarative statement used to emphasize the unique and novel nature of a situation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it asserts that something has never happened before. It's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, conveying surprise, concern, or a call to action. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure the situation truly lacks historical precedent. Alternatives like "this is unparalleled" or "this is unheard of" can provide similar emphasis while varying the tone. Use it judiciously to highlight the exceptional nature of events or developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is unparalleled

Focuses on the lack of similar examples.

this is unheard of

Emphasizes the novelty and unexpectedness.

this is exceptional

Highlights the extraordinary nature of the situation.

this is extraordinary

Similar to exceptional, but with a stronger emphasis.

this is a first

Directly states that it has never happened before.

this has no precedent

Highlights the lack of any prior example.

this is without parallel

Similar to unparalleled, stressing the uniqueness.

this is revolutionary

Emphasizes the transformative and groundbreaking aspect.

this is ground-breaking

Highlights the innovative and pioneering aspect.

this sets a new standard

Indicates that a new level of achievement has been reached.

FAQs

How can I use "this is unprecedented" in a sentence?

You can use "this is unprecedented" to describe a situation that has never occurred before or lacks a historical parallel. For example, "The level of global cooperation on this issue "this is unprecedented"".

What phrases are similar to "this is unprecedented"?

Alternatives include "this is unparalleled", "this is unheard of", or "this is exceptional". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "this is unprecedented"?

No, use it judiciously. Ensure the situation truly lacks historical precedent before using such a strong statement. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact.

What's the difference between "this is unprecedented" and "this is unusual"?

"This is unusual" simply means something is not common. "This is unprecedented" means it has never happened before. The latter is a much stronger claim.