was not unprecedented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not unprecedented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has occurred before and is not unique or without precedent. Example: "The decision to implement new regulations was not unprecedented, as similar measures had been taken in the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

It was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

Fine's undertaking was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

This pre-emptive move was not unprecedented.

The New York Times

But Reyes's move was not unprecedented.

The New York Times - Sports

He said such cooperation was not unprecedented.

The Guardian

Though gruesome, the killing was not unprecedented.

The New York Times

The sequence of events initiated by neoliberalism was not unprecedented.

Harvard University

The early skepticism about the two hostages was not unprecedented.

The New Yorker

The size of the individual's trades was not unprecedented.

The Guardian - Business

While the meeting was rare, it was not unprecedented.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not unprecedented" to provide context and reassure your audience that a situation, while potentially surprising, has historical parallels. This can help to normalize the event and reduce anxiety or skepticism.

Common error

While "was not unprecedented" is acceptable, overuse of passive voice can make your writing seem weak. Consider rephrasing to use active voice when possible to create a more direct and impactful statement, such as "similar events occurred before".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not unprecedented" functions as a negative assertion. It denies that a particular event or situation is unique or without historical parallel. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, signaling its role in providing context and perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not unprecedented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to indicate that a particular event or circumstance is not unique in history. According to Ludwig, it is used correctly in the vast majority of instances. Appearing most often in news and media contexts, it's a phrase used to provide perspective and context, often to normalize a situation or to diminish claims of novelty. While the phrase itself is neutral, writers should consider whether active voice alternatives might provide more impactful statements. Understanding its nuances, alternatives, and appropriate contexts ensures its effective and precise application in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not a first

This alternative directly states that the event had happened before, focusing on the lack of novelty.

was not unheard of

Indicates the event, although perhaps rare, had occurred before and was known.

had happened before

A straightforward statement confirming the event's prior occurrence.

was not without precedent

A more formal way of saying the same thing, emphasizing the existence of prior examples.

was not novel

Highlights the lack of originality or newness of the event.

was not unique

Emphasizes that similar events have occurred, diminishing the event's singularity.

had precedents

Implies there were similar occurrences that served as a guide or justification.

was precedented

A more direct antonym stating that the action had a prior legal basis.

was not groundbreaking

Focuses on the lack of innovation or revolutionary nature of the event.

was not revolutionary

Emphasizes that the event did not cause a significant or fundamental change.

FAQs

How can I use "was not unprecedented" in a sentence?

You can use "was not unprecedented" to indicate that a current event or situation has happened before. For example, "The company's decision to change its marketing strategy "was not unprecedented"; they had done so in the past during similar economic downturns."

What are some alternatives to saying "was not unprecedented"?

Alternatives to "was not unprecedented" include "was not unheard of", "had happened before", or "was not unique". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was not unprecedented" or "had precedent"?

"Was not unprecedented" indicates that something similar has occurred before, while "had precedent" implies a legal or formal justification exists. The better choice depends on the context. For example, "The legal challenge "had precedent" in a similar case from 1998" versus "The market fluctuation "was not unprecedented"; similar dips have occurred before."

What's the difference between "was not unprecedented" and "was rare"?

"Was not unprecedented" means the event has occurred before, whereas "was rare" implies it doesn't happen often. Something can be rare but still have happened before. The phrase ""was not unprecedented"" focuses on the existence of prior instances, while "was rare" focuses on the frequency.