it was incomplete

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was incomplete" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something wasn't finished or was not done correctly. For example: "I attempted the math problem, but it was incomplete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It ran to several pages and more than 120 terms – and as that modest "Some" in its title acknowledged, it was incomplete.

The Guardian - Books

RSA later updated its list to include seven women, arguing that it was incomplete.

Forbes

Students who thought they had finished the application found that it was incomplete because questions had been added after its release.

The New York Times

It was incomplete.

The Guardian

That it was incomplete is one thing.

The New York Times

In my mind, it was incomplete".

The New York Times - Sports

Jewish leaders welcomed the apology but said it was "incomplete".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was an arresting admission, but it was incomplete.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem with Boost.Coroutine is that it was incomplete, and last I checked far from complete.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Metro insists that Local 689's bid was not considered because it was incomplete.

The Washington Post

The 1990 census was not, as you argue, unfair; it was incomplete (editorial, Nov. 30).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it was incomplete" with a more specific term that more closely reflects why the subject was not complete. For example, "the data was incomplete" could become "the dataset was missing key variables".

Common error

Avoid using "it was incomplete" without clearly defining what "it" represents. Ambiguous references can confuse the reader and diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was incomplete" functions as a statement expressing that something lacks all necessary parts or is not fully finished. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was incomplete" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something lacking necessary elements or being unfinished. As Ludwig confirms, its versatility makes it suitable across diverse contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and formal business settings. Remember to ensure the antecedent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider replacing the phrase with more specific terms like "unfinished", "partial", or "deficient", based on the intended meaning. By avoiding vague references and providing clear context, you can effectively communicate the state of incompleteness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unfinished

Focuses on the lack of completion.

it was partial

Emphasizes that only a portion was done.

it was deficient

Highlights a lack of something necessary.

it was inadequate

Stresses that it wasn't good enough.

it was lacking

Directly points out what was missing.

it was imperfect

Indicates the presence of flaws or shortcomings.

it was sketchy

Suggests a lack of thoroughness or detail.

it was fragmentary

Emphasizes that it consisted of broken or disconnected parts.

it was rudimentary

Indicates a basic or undeveloped state.

it was cursory

Highlights a lack of attention to detail.

FAQs

What does "it was incomplete" mean?

The phrase "it was incomplete" means that something was not finished, lacking necessary parts, or not fully realized. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

How can I use "it was incomplete" in a sentence?

You can use "it was incomplete" to describe tasks, applications, reports, or any other entity that is lacking required elements. For instance, "The application was rejected because "it was incomplete"."

What are some alternatives to "it was incomplete"?

Alternatives to "it was incomplete" include "it was unfinished", "it was partial", or "it was deficient". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "it was incomplete"?

Starting a sentence with "it was incomplete" is grammatically correct, but ensure that the preceding context makes it clear what "it" refers to. Otherwise, restructure for clarity. For example: "Although the study showed promise, "it was incomplete" due to missing data".