it was inconclusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was inconclusive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing results or findings that do not provide a clear answer or conclusion. Example: "The study was conducted over several months, but ultimately, it was inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of the new treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But it was inconclusive.

The New York Times

It was inconclusive.

The New York Times

Or if it was, it was inconclusive.

The Guardian - Opinion

The polls appeared to say it was inconclusive.

The Guardian

Gov. Mark Dayton (D) said he has viewed the ambulance video and thought it was inconclusive.

The Washington Post

He then reviewed video in an on-site television truck but said it was inconclusive.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Thus far, it is inconclusive," Mr. Miller said.

The New York Times - Science

The source added: "It is inconclusive if Majnoon is a border field or not with Iran.

The Guardian

The videotape, shot by a local news channel, provides fodder for pundits since it is inconclusive.

The New York Times

Therefore, it is inconclusive and underlines the need for more knowledge on this matter.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

It is inconclusive if the scale can be used for younger people like nursing students.

Nurse Education Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was inconclusive", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to (e.g., a study, a report, an investigation). Clarity helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was inconclusive" without providing context. Readers need to understand what specifically yielded uncertain results to grasp the significance of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was inconclusive" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a specific test, investigation, or analysis failed to produce definitive results. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was inconclusive" serves to express that a particular investigation, test, or analysis yielded uncertain results. Ludwig AI data suggests the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Related phrases such as "the results were ambiguous" and "the findings were not definitive" offer alternative ways to convey the same lack of resolution. Given its wide applicability and clarity, "it was inconclusive" remains a useful tool for expressing uncertainty in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the findings were not definitive

Emphasizes the lack of a clear conclusion.

the results were ambiguous

Highlights the unclear nature of the results.

the data provided no clear answer

Highlights that collected data didn't lead to a definitive result.

no firm conclusion could be reached

Stresses the inability to arrive at a definite answer.

it couldn't be determined

Emphasizes the inability to ascertain.

the evidence was unconvincing

Focuses on the lack of compelling evidence.

the outcome was uncertain

Focuses on the unpredictable result.

the investigation yielded no firm results

Highlights that investigated results didn't lead to a definitive answer.

it remained unresolved

Indicates the issue was not settled.

the matter is still open to question

Highlights ongoing uncertainty.

FAQs

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

Use "it was inconclusive" to describe a situation where results or findings don't provide a clear or definitive answer. For example, "The medical tests were performed, but "it was inconclusive" regarding the presence of the disease".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was inconclusive"?

You can use alternatives like "the results were ambiguous", "the findings were not definitive", or "the evidence was unconvincing" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "it was inconclusive" or "the results were inconclusive"?

Both are grammatically correct. "It was inconclusive" is generally used when referring to a specific test, study, or investigation. "The results were inconclusive" is used when focusing on the results themselves. Choose the phrasing that best fits the sentence structure.

What does "it was inconclusive" mean?

The phrase "it was inconclusive" means that something (like a test, study, or investigation) did not produce a clear or definitive result. It suggests that the outcome was uncertain or did not provide enough evidence to reach a firm conclusion.