without precedents

USAGE SUMMARY

"without precedents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that does not have an example that has happened before. For example: The government's decision to leave the European Union was without precedents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Unfortunately citizens of Moldova are targets of a campaign of disinformation without precedents.

The Guardian

Throwback events are not without precedents in dance music.

Vice

The concept of a hierarchy of pluripotent progenitors that fluctuates during tumor growth and under selective pressure is not without precedents.

Plosone

The reason is unclear at present, but this dose-independent phenomenon is not without precedents (Bevan et al. 2006; Bonefeld-Jørgensen et al. 2007), and suggests a rather complex mechanism operative in EDC's effect on dendritic cells.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The dissociation of growth/reproduction from stress response/lifespan is not without precedents, as while removing the germ cells in many organisms can extend lifespan, removing the whole reproduction system does not [ 45].

Aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This outbreak is without precedent.

The Economist

This is not without precedent.

Independent

It is without precedent.

The Guardian - Opinion

("Time Without Precedent").

The New Yorker

This is a case without precedent".

The New York Times

The situation also seems without precedent.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without precedents" to underscore the exceptional nature of an event or situation that lacks any historical parallel.

Common error

Avoid using "without precedents" for situations that are merely unusual but not truly unprecedented. Overusing it diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without precedents" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe a situation, event, or action that lacks any prior equivalent or historical parallel. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary grammatical role is to emphasize the uniqueness and novelty of the described entity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without precedents" is used to emphasize the unique and novel nature of an event or situation that has no prior equivalent. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and appears in reputable sources, predominantly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While similar to words like "unprecedented" or "unique", it carries a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for truly exceptional cases to maintain its impact. Its value is to highlight the groundbreaking significance of an event or situation, and should be utilized carefully to avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unprecedented

This single word emphasizes the lack of prior occurrence more directly.

first of its kind

Explicitly states that there have been no prior similar occurrences.

novel

Highlights the new and original nature of the situation.

unique

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and singularity of the event or situation.

unmatched

Focuses on the lack of equivalent or comparable instances.

never before seen

Emphasizes the novelty and unfamiliarity of the situation.

without parallel

Similar to unmatched, focusing on the absence of a comparable situation.

groundbreaking

Suggests innovation and a departure from established norms.

sets a new standard

Indicates that the current event establishes a benchmark for future occurrences.

breaks new ground

Implies exploration and advancement into uncharted territory.

FAQs

How can I use "without precedents" in a sentence?

You can use "without precedents" to describe situations that have no prior examples. For example, "The speed of technological advancement in the 21st century is "unprecedented"."

What are some alternatives to "without precedents"?

Alternatives include "unprecedented", "novel", or "unique". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "without precedent" or "without precedents"?

"Without precedent" is generally used when referring to a singular event or decision, while "without precedents" is appropriate when discussing a general lack of prior examples across multiple instances. However, the phrase "without precedent" is more common in formal writing.

What's the difference between "without precedent" and "unprecedented"?

"Unprecedented" is a single-word adjective that directly describes something as having no prior occurrence. "Without precedent" is a phrase that serves a similar purpose but can be used in slightly different grammatical constructions. For example, "The event was "unprecedented"" vs. "The event occurred "without precedent"."