very unfamiliar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very unfamiliar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not known or recognized to a significant degree. Example: "The new software interface was very unfamiliar to the team, causing some initial confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Poverty is still a very unfamiliar word in Japan".

The New York Times

"It seemed unprecedented and very unfamiliar to the pilots".

The Guardian - Tech

These guys are totally at ease in a very unfamiliar situation for us.

The Guardian - Arts

"A lot of the objects will be very unfamiliar to people," he says.

The Guardian

Just a familiar face in a trademark white suit, standing in a very unfamiliar spot.

The Guardian

So too is bringing Jos Buttler into the team, albeit in a very unfamiliar role.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

TORONTO — The filmmaker Lynn Shelton is drawn to stories of familiar people who find themselves in very excruciatingly unfamiliar situations.

The New York Times

It's a very distinct paradigm, unfamiliar to most people who haven't studied science.

The Guardian - Tech

People with the condition can become very disoriented by unfamiliar surroundings.

The Guardian

Architects also are constantly faced with code and union problems that restrict the application of materials that are very new and unfamiliar".

The New York Times

"They are largely unfamiliar, very graphic and many of them minutely detailed," said Joan Cummins, the museum's curator of Asian art, who has collaborated with Ms. Bernstein on the initiative.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new concept or technology, use "very unfamiliar" to clearly indicate the audience's potential lack of prior knowledge and adjust your explanation accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "very unfamiliar" when describing something that is likely somewhat known or understood by your target audience. Instead, consider using phrases that suggest partial familiarity, such as "relatively new" or "somewhat known".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very unfamiliar" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "unfamiliar". It describes a noun by emphasizing the degree to which it is not known or recognized. Ludwig AI identifies it as a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science & Research

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very unfamiliar" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a strong sense of unfamiliarity or lack of knowledge. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, making it a versatile choice for expressing unfamiliarity. While the phrase is acceptable across registers, writers should be mindful of overstating unfamiliarity in contexts where the subject may already possess some level of knowledge. Alternatives such as "completely unknown" or "entirely foreign" can be used to introduce variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite unfamiliar

A more softened version of the original phrase, indicating some lack of familiarity.

completely unknown

Emphasizes a total lack of familiarity or awareness.

completely unacquainted

Focuses on the lack of personal experience or knowledge.

entirely foreign

Highlights the sense of something being alien or outside of one's experience.

largely unknown

Indicates that while some aspects may be known, the majority is not.

deeply alien

Highlights a profound sense of otherness and unfamiliarity.

utterly strange

Focuses on the unusual and perplexing nature of something.

highly unusual

Emphasizes the infrequency and atypical nature of something.

totally new

Stresses the novelty and lack of prior exposure.

relatively obscure

Suggests that something is not well-known or easily accessible.

FAQs

How can I use "very unfamiliar" in a sentence?

You can use "very unfamiliar" to describe something someone doesn't know or isn't used to, for example: "The concept of quantum physics is "very unfamiliar" to most people."

What are some alternatives to "very unfamiliar"?

Alternatives to "very unfamiliar" include phrases like "completely unknown", "entirely foreign", or "utterly strange", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "unfamiliar" or "very unfamiliar"?

"Very unfamiliar" emphasizes a stronger lack of knowledge or experience compared to simply saying "unfamiliar". The choice depends on the degree of unfamiliarity you wish to express.

What's the difference between "unfamiliar" and "unknown"?

"Unfamiliar" implies a lack of direct experience or knowledge, while "unknown" suggests that something is not generally recognized or understood. Something can be unfamiliar to a person but not entirely "unknown" to others.