with an unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with an unknown" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not known or identified. Here is an example: "The police are searching for a suspect with an unknown identity in connection with the robbery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An individual with an unknown dam, but a known sire.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Again, with an unknown percentage of profit.

The New York Times

She drove away with an unknown amount of cash.

The New York Times

"We're two unknown creators with an unknown book.

The New York Times

Brian De Palma shot "Redacted" on video with an unknown cast.

The New York Times

They did tell Uddin that she had been in covert phone contact with an unknown woman.

The Guardian

Later, when man came back to the avenue, saw young man with an unknown third person.

The New Yorker

They are there, sitting like small squiggles on a startling sonata, with an unknown Purpose.

The New York Times

Familiar faces are few, and Miami center Alonzo Mourning sat out with an unknown illness.

The New York Times - Sports

She had been struck on the head several times with an unknown object, they said.

The New York Times

Being cooped up in a tiny space with an unknown female -- what a crazy risk!

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with an unknown", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is unknown (e.g., "with an unknown cause", "with an unknown author"). This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with an unknown" without specifying what exactly is unknown. For example, instead of writing "The project faced issues with an unknown", specify "The project faced issues with an unknown budget" to provide more information and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with an unknown" functions as a prepositional modifier, typically adding descriptive information about a noun. It specifies a state of uncertainty or lack of knowledge regarding a particular attribute or aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with an unknown" serves as a versatile prepositional modifier used to express a lack of knowledge or identification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains including news, science, and general writing. Its purpose is to indicate uncertainty, and its register is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using "with an unknown", ensuring clarity about what aspect is unknown is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with an unidentified

Emphasizes the lack of a confirmed identity.

with an unspecified

Highlights that details have not been explicitly defined.

with an undisclosed

Focuses on information being intentionally kept secret.

with an indeterminate

Suggests that the quantity, value, or nature is not precisely fixed or known.

with an unestablished

Highlights that it is not currently known or recognized.

with an unconfirmed

Implies there is no verification.

with a mysterious

Focuses on something enigmatic.

with an obscure

Suggests a lack of clarity.

with an unrecognized

Emphasizes the lack of awareness.

with a concealed

Focuses on hiding something from view.

FAQs

How can I use "with an unknown" in a sentence?

Use "with an unknown" to describe something that is not known or identified. For example: "The patient presented with an unknown illness" or "The suspect fled the scene with an unknown amount of cash".

What phrases are similar to "with an unknown"?

Similar phrases include "with an unidentified", "with an unspecified", or "with an undisclosed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "with an unknown source"?

Yes, "with an unknown source" is grammatically correct. It's used to describe something originating from a source that is not known or identified. For example, "The information came from a document with an unknown source".

What's the difference between "with an unknown" and "with a known"?

"With an unknown" indicates a lack of knowledge or identification, whereas "with a known" implies that something is identified or established. For instance, a sample "with an unknown origin" contrasts with a sample "with a known origin".