virgin territory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virgin territory" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that has not been explored or exposed to either knowledge or activities before. For example: The Amazon rainforest is a vast virgin territory that remains mostly unexplored.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"This is all virgin territory".

The New York Times

Neurology seemed like virgin territory.

The New Yorker

It's absolutely virgin territory.

The Washington Post

It's all virgin territory.

The New York Times

The oil-rich country is virgin territory.

The Economist

Europe, by contrast, is virgin territory.

The Economist

"It's virgin territory," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I think "Virgin Territory" and "The Butler's Escape" fit this mold as well.

The New York Times

Archives|OPENS NEW OIL FIELD.; Continental Enters Virgin Territory In New Mexico.

The New York Times

OPENS NEW OIL FIELD.; Continental Enters Virgin Territory In New Mexico.

The New York Times

Mission: Space is Virgin Territory.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virgin territory" to describe areas or concepts that are genuinely new and unexplored, emphasizing the potential for discovery and innovation. For example, "The field of quantum computing is largely virgin territory for researchers."

Common error

Avoid using "virgin territory" too broadly. Reserve it for situations where the novelty is significant. Describing a slightly modified approach as "virgin territory" diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virgin territory" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often acts as a subject complement or an object, describing something that is new, untouched, or unexplored. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virgin territory" is a noun phrase used to describe something new and unexplored, holding significant potential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct status and wide applicability. It frequently appears in news and media, science, and business contexts, denoting opportunities for discovery and innovation. While versatile, it's best used when the novelty is substantial, adding impact to the description. Consider alternatives like "unexplored territory" or "untapped potential" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexplored territory

Focuses specifically on the lack of prior investigation or mapping.

untapped potential

Highlights the unrealized possibilities within a given area or field.

new frontier

Emphasizes the excitement and challenge of entering an unknown space.

uncharted waters

Implies a degree of risk and uncertainty in navigating the unknown.

fresh ground

Suggests a new starting point or a previously unconsidered approach.

untested ground

Focuses on the lack of prior experimentation or validation.

developing area

Points to regions that are undergoing growth and transformation.

emerging market

Specifically refers to new opportunities in the business or economic sector.

blank canvas

Emphasizes the freedom and opportunity for creation in a new space.

unspoiled landscape

Refers specifically to environments untouched by human development or pollution.

FAQs

How can I use "virgin territory" in a sentence?

You can use "virgin territory" to describe a field, market, or area that is new, unexplored, or untouched. For instance, "The company views Southeast Asia as "virgin territory" for expansion."

What are some alternatives to "virgin territory"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unexplored territory", "untapped potential", or "new frontier".

Is it appropriate to use "virgin territory" in a formal business context?

Yes, "virgin territory" can be used in formal business contexts to describe new markets or opportunities. However, consider the audience and ensure it aligns with the company's communication style.

What does it mean when someone says something is "virgin territory"?

It means that the area, topic, or field is new and has not been explored or developed much. It suggests that there is a lot of potential for discovery and innovation in that space.