it was not done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a task or action has not been completed. Example: "Despite the deadline approaching, it was not done, and we had to ask for an extension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was not done well.

The Guardian

But it was not done alone.

The Economist

Even then, it was not done.

The New York Times - Sports

And even then, it was not done.

The New York Times - Sports

It was not done, plain and simple".

The New York Times

But it was not done for them.

The Guardian

So it was not done in '88.

The New York Times

It was not done by Stalin alone.

The New York Times

It was not done to just one.

The New York Times

But for Ms Pollán it was not done.

The Economist

It was not done to give more people access.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was not done", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject or action that was not completed.

Common error

Avoid using "it was not done by itself" when intending to say "it did not do itself". The phrase "it was not done" typically refers to something being acted upon, not the actor itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not done" primarily functions as a statement indicating that an action or task was left unfinished or not executed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show its use across various contexts to express non-completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was not done" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that a task or action has not been completed. Ludwig confirms its validity. As Ludwig's analysis shows, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, carrying a neutral tone that can be adapted to various situations. While widely accepted, writers should ensure clarity by explicitly referencing what "it" signifies and avoid misuse in active voice constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't completed

Directly states the absence of completion.

it remained undone

Emphasizes the continuing state of being unfinished.

it was left undone

Highlights that the task was abandoned or neglected.

it wasn't carried out

Focuses on the lack of implementation or execution.

it was not performed

Similar to "carried out", but can imply a more formal or technical action.

it wasn't executed

Emphasizes a lack of skillful or forceful action.

it failed to materialize

Indicates that the plan or intention did not come to fruition.

it was omitted

Highlights that the action was left out or excluded.

it did not happen

A more general expression indicating non-occurrence.

it never happened

Stresses that the action or event did not occur at any point.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was not done" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it was not completed", "it remained undone", or "it was left unattended", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it was not done" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was not done" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate that an action was not performed or completed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

What's the difference between "it was not done" and "it is not done"?

"It was not done" refers to something that was not completed in the past, while "it is not done" indicates that something is currently not finished or is an ongoing state. The tense is the key difference.

Can "it was not done" be used in all contexts?

While versatile, consider the context. In very informal settings, phrases like "it didn't happen" or "it never materialized" might be more appropriate, but "it was not done" is generally suitable across various registers.