unprecedented in scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unprecedented in scale" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the magnitude or size of something, often to suggest that it is larger or more important than anything that has come before it. Example: "The economic impact of the pandemic is unprecedented in scale, with millions of businesses forced to close and millions of people losing their jobs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It is unprecedented in scale".

The New York Times

This operation was unprecedented in scale and scope.

The Guardian

Hoover launched infrastructure-building projects unprecedented in scale.

The New Yorker

The recent exodus is unprecedented in scale, though.

The New York Times

In November, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, will unveil an exhibition on war photography unprecedented in scale and ambition.

The New Yorker

In their report, released this week, the doctors said: "The collapse of Zimbabwe's health system in 2008 is unprecedented in scale and scope.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Trump's plan is actually unprecedented only in scale.

The New Yorker

But he added that the shutdown in Egypt was "unprecedented in scope and scale".

The New York Times - Tech

The task the world faces is unprecedented in scope and scale.

Huffington Post

We witnessed inner-city riots, unprecedented in their scale and violence, in Liverpool and London.

The Guardian - Opinion

But China has recently embarked on a construction spree unprecedented in its scale and speed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unprecedented in scale", provide specific details or comparisons to illustrate the magnitude you are describing. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unprecedented in scale" as a generic intensifier. Reserve it for situations where the magnitude truly surpasses previous examples, otherwise, it weakens the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unprecedented in scale" functions as an adjectival modifier, emphasizing the exceptional degree or extent of a noun. It indicates that something is notably larger or more significant than anything previously known. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unprecedented in scale" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the extraordinary magnitude or impact of something. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is common in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific publications, and business communications. The term effectively conveys that something is not just large, but surpasses any similar occurrence in the past. When using this phrase, providing specific details helps to reinforce the sense of exceptional size and significance. While the phrase is versatile, it should be reserved for situations where the described magnitude is truly extraordinary to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrivaled in magnitude

Replaces "scale" with "magnitude", focusing on the size or extent of something.

unmatched in size

Substitutes "unprecedented" with "unmatched" and "scale" with "size", highlighting the superior dimensions.

unparalleled in scope

Replaces "scale" with "scope", emphasizing the breadth or range.

uncommon in extension

Substitutes "unprecedented" with "uncommon" and replaces "scale" with "extension" focusing on the reach of something.

exceptional in dimensions

Replaces "unprecedented" with "exceptional" and "scale" with "dimensions", accentuating the physical size.

extraordinary in extent

Replaces "unprecedented" with "extraordinary" and "scale" with "extent", focusing on the reach or scope.

unique in proportion

Replaces "unprecedented" with "unique" and "scale" with "proportion", emphasizing the relative size.

singular in measurement

Substitutes "unprecedented" with "singular" and replaces "scale" with "measurement" which means that there's only one with that measurement.

unexampled in amplitude

Replaces "unprecedented" with "unexampled" and "scale" with "amplitude", highlighting the size of something.

unrivaled in vastness

Substitutes "unprecedented" with "unrivaled" and "scale" with "vastness", highlighting the immensity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "unprecedented in scale" in a sentence?

Use "unprecedented in scale" to emphasize the exceptional size or magnitude of something. For example, "The refugee crisis is "unprecedented in scale", requiring a global response".

What are some alternatives to saying "unprecedented in scale"?

You can use alternatives like "unrivaled in magnitude", "unparalleled in scope", or "unmatched in size" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "unprecedented in scale" in formal writing?

Yes, "unprecedented in scale" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig shows, it appears in reputable news sources and academic contexts. Ensure that its usage is justified by the situation you're describing.

What makes something "unprecedented in scale" rather than just very large?

Something "unprecedented in scale" is not only large but also surpasses any previously known extent or size. The term implies that nothing of similar magnitude has occurred before, setting it apart from merely being "very large".