it was not forthcoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not forthcoming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something did not provide information or assistance as expected. Example: "When I asked for details about the project, the manager's response was vague; it was not forthcoming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

When support from the Cabinet Office for Quick's claim that it was that body that thought it was a criminal matter was sought, "it was not forthcoming".

The Guardian

It was not forthcoming.

Independent

For whatever reason, it was not forthcoming".

Independent

Celtic's pace when attacking made further scoring seem likely, although it was not forthcoming.

The Guardian - Sport

An exciting summer in the transfer market would have changed the mood but it was not forthcoming.

Independent

When it was not forthcoming, he killed himself, believing he had failed to explain the science behind his forecasts.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It wasn't forthcoming in Turkey, which shares a border with both Iraq and Syria.

BBC

Ms Hanson said: "That's all we wanted earlier on in the day, was for someone with concrete information to speak to the families, to let us know what was happening, and it wasn't forthcoming".

BBC

The blue men may alternatively board a passing vessel and demand tribute from its crew, threatening that if it is not forthcoming they will raise up a storm.

Wikipedia

It's not forthcoming here.

The Guardian - Film

Where it is not forthcoming, it must be coerced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was not forthcoming" to politely indicate that something expected or requested was not provided, without directly blaming anyone. This phrasing is useful in formal reports, news articles, and professional correspondence where a neutral tone is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "it was not forthcoming" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it didn't happen" or "we didn't get it" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not forthcoming" functions as a declarative statement indicating the absence or lack of something expected. Ludwig AI indicates that it expresses a situation where a requested or anticipated element did not appear or become available. It often follows a request or expectation that was unfulfilled.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was not forthcoming" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating that something expected or requested was not provided. Ludwig AI underlines its utility in expressing the absence of cooperation or information. With a neutral to formal register, it is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While useful in professional settings, it should be used sparingly in casual conversation where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "it was not provided" and "it did not materialize". When writing, remember that overuse in informal contexts can make the phrase sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it did not materialize

Emphasizes that something expected or planned did not happen or become reality.

it was not provided

Directly states that something requested or needed was not given or supplied.

it was not available

Indicates that something was not accessible or obtainable when needed.

it was withheld

Suggests that something was deliberately held back or not disclosed.

it was not offered

Highlights the absence of a proactive offer or provision of something.

it was refused

Indicates a direct denial or rejection of a request or expectation.

it was unattainable

Stresses the impossibility of obtaining or achieving something.

it proved elusive

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding or obtaining something, often after a search.

it failed to appear

Focuses on the non-appearance or non-arrival of something expected.

it remained absent

Highlights the continued lack or absence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was not forthcoming" in a sentence?

You can use "it was not forthcoming" to indicate that something expected or requested was not provided. For example, "When I asked for details about the budget, the information "it was not forthcoming"."

What can I say instead of "it was not forthcoming"?

Alternatives to "it was not forthcoming" include "it was not provided", "it did not materialize", or "it was not available", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was not forthcoming" formal or informal?

"It was not forthcoming" is generally considered a formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "it didn't happen" or "we didn't get it" may be more appropriate.

What does "it was not forthcoming" imply?

"It was not forthcoming" implies a lack of provision, cooperation, or information. It suggests that something expected or requested was not given or supplied, often without specifying a reason.