it was not ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was not ready" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was unfinished or unprepared at a specific time in the past. Example: "When I arrived at the event, I realized that the presentation materials were not ready."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This won the sought-after special prize from the festival critics.Mr Paskaljevic's film failed to reach the competition because "it was not ready in time".

The Economist

The agency set up six tests to determine the technology's overall accuracy, determining afterward that "it was not ready for a D.H.S. customer" — meaning that police departments should not buy it.

The New York Times

The Broadway-bound revival of "The Miracle Worker , starring Hilary Swank, has been postponed after its producer determined it was not ready for New York.

The New York Times

Sources said that Transcanada withdrew its $26.39-a-share 26.39-a-share 26.39-a-sharey to proceed promptly, as required bidlaw.

The New York Times

Its Chief Executive told the BBC it was not ready and did not have enough money to conduct the vote.

BBC

However, France signalled on Wednesday that it would stick to its tough line on Iran and that it was not ready to make more concessions.

The Guardian

It was not ready for either of those events.

The New York Times

White advised the Ramirezes not to accept the camper because it was not ready.

Harvard University

Each time Graff told them it was not ready for delivery.

Harvard University

A new production of "Macbeth" has just been cancelled because it was not ready.

The Economist

Eurofighter, meanwhile, made clear Tuesday that it was not ready to concede defeat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was not ready" to clearly communicate that something is incomplete or not prepared for its intended use. This can prevent misunderstandings and manage expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it was not ready" without providing context or reasons. Clarify why something wasn't ready to give a clearer picture and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The report was not ready', specify 'The report was not ready due to incomplete data analysis'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not ready" primarily functions as a statement expressing the condition of something being unprepared or incomplete at a particular time. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to explain delays or failures to meet expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was not ready" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something was incomplete or unprepared at a specific time. As verified by Ludwig, its versatility allows it to be used across various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations. While it is important to provide context to explain why something was not ready, the phrase itself is widely accepted and understood, making it a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't prepared

Focuses on the lack of preparation.

it wasn't completed

Emphasizes the unfinished nature of something.

it wasn't finished

Similar to 'completed', highlighting the lack of finalization.

it was unready

A more formal, direct synonym.

it wasn't up to par

Indicates that something didn't meet the required standard.

it wasn't in shape

Suggests a lack of readiness due to condition or form.

it wasn't in a fit state

Highlights unsuitability due to condition.

it wasn't prime

Implies not being in the best possible condition or state.

it was premature

Emphasizes that something was too early or not fully developed.

it wasn't ripe

Analogous to fruit, suggesting a lack of full development or maturity.

FAQs

What does "it was not ready" mean?

The phrase "it was not ready" indicates that something was unfinished, unprepared, or unsuitable for a particular purpose or deadline at a specific point in the past.

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

You can use alternatives like "it wasn't prepared", "it wasn't completed", or "it was unready" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was not ready"?

It's appropriate to use "it was not ready" when you need to explain why something wasn't available, suitable, or performed as expected at a specific time. Ensure you provide context for clarity.

Is "it was not ready" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was not ready" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal situations, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "it was unready".