Can a negative/negating prefix (such as “un” in the word “unfriendly” or “unknown” replace a negative/negating adverb (such as “not”)?
For example, the sentence I’m working with is “...this article brought publicity to a serious issue involved with some dress codes which was previously unheard of or discussed by many.” My question is whether I can stick with the phrase “unheard of or discussed by many,” or have to use the phrase, “not heard of or discussed by many,” (whereas “not” and “un" describe both “heard of” and “discussed by.” Thanks in advance!
Update:FORGOT THE PARENTHESIS AFTER "UNKOWN" SORRY
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Nope. It doesn't really work.
...the issue was (unheard of) or (discussed)...
I think you want to say "it was not (heard of) or (discussed)," in which case the NOT can apply to both of the words in parenthesis. In your original sentence the UN is bound to HEARD and cannot attach to DISCUSSED, also.
Really the whole sentence is awkward to me. I suggest recasting it somehow:
...a previously unknown issue...
...a little known issue that had not been discussed by many...