it was out of date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was out of date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is no longer current or relevant, such as information, technology, or products. Example: "The software I was using was out of date, so I had to update it to the latest version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Even before the OBR's forecast was released it was out of date.

Independent

After digging my dog-eared insurance card out of my wallet, I realized that it was out of date, too.

The New York Times

He said that by the time he handed the report to the client it was out of date.

The New York Times

A friend had the opposite attitude – once it was out of date, it was in the bin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I feel sorry for anyone who'd bought the replica, because it was out of date pretty quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

She said that they thought it was out of date and unimaginative "and failed to capture the sense of wonder that tour guides should project about New York".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Tanzania didn't need a new military air traffic control, it was out-of-date technology, they didn't have any military aircraft – they needed a civilian air traffic control system and there was a modern, much cheaper one.

The Guardian

If you already have Tribes: Ascend and it is out-of-date, right-click on the game in the Library and click "Play Game".

WikiHow

A guidebook could help, but it might be out-of-date.

Forbes

If an already installed app is out-of-date, it can be upgraded from the Web site using the same feature.

Bioinformatics

Or, rather, it's out of date.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was out of date", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject, such as 'the information was out of date' instead of just 'it was out of date' when the subject is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "it was out of date" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms like "it was obsolete", "it was outdated", or "it was no longer current".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was out of date" functions as a predicative expression, attributing a state of obsolescence to a subject. Ludwig's examples showcase its application across various domains, highlighting its descriptive role in indicating that something is no longer current or relevant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was out of date" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is no longer current, accurate, or useful. As supported by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid overuse by varying your phrasing with synonyms. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations due to lack of context, and adjust your language to suit the formality of the situation. It is worth noting that the Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was obsolete

Replaces 'out of date' with 'obsolete', emphasizing that something is no longer produced or used.

it was outdated

Uses 'outdated' instead of 'out of date', a direct synonym with similar implications.

it was no longer current

Rephrases to highlight that something is not up-to-date or valid at the present time.

it was past its prime

Suggests that something was once effective or useful but is no longer so.

it was superseded

Implies that something has been replaced by something newer or better.

it was stale

Indicates that something has lost its freshness or relevance.

it was antiquated

Emphasizes that something is old-fashioned and no longer suitable for modern use.

it was superannuated

Similar to 'antiquated', but often refers specifically to something retired due to age or obsolescence.

it was behind the times

Indicates a lack of awareness or adaptation to current trends or developments.

it was a relic of the past

Suggests that something belongs to a bygone era and is no longer relevant in the present.

FAQs

What does "it was out of date" mean?

The phrase "it was out of date" means that something is no longer current, accurate, or useful because it has been superseded by newer information, technology, or practices. It indicates that the subject is obsolete or no longer applicable.

How can I use "it was out of date" in a sentence?

You can use "it was out of date" to describe various subjects. For instance, "The map was out of date, so we got lost", or "His information on the topic was out of date, so he couldn't answer the question accurately".

What can I say instead of "it was out of date"?

You can use alternatives like "it was obsolete", "it was outdated", or "it was no longer current" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it was outdated" and "it was out of date"?

The phrases "it was outdated" and "it was out of date" are largely interchangeable. "It was outdated" might subtly emphasize the process of becoming obsolete, while "it was out of date" simply states the current state of being no longer current.