was inoperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was inoperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not functioning or not in operation, often in technical or formal contexts. Example: "The machinery was inoperative due to a power failure, causing delays in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The three nations remained formal parties to the treaty, but in practical terms ANZUS was inoperative from then on.

Encyclopedia Britannica

TAM has acknowledged that one of the two thrust reversers, used to slow planes during landings, was inoperative.

The New York Times

The bill became law Sept. 18, 1914, but was inoperative for the duration of World War I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Douglas wrote an even more confining lease — it specified, for instance, that for every two days a utility was inoperative they'd get a month free of rent — and Tammaro gave them keys.

The New Yorker

B3 Gas Detector Was Inoperative The police in Nassau County, on Long Island, said a doctor who came home to find six relatives and friends dead of carbon monoxide poisoning recalled disconnecting a carbon monoxide detector last summer.

The New York Times

Lacking leadership, the CPUSA suffered from internal dissension and disorder, and by 1953 the CPUSA's leadership structure was inoperative.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Previous assumptions are inoperative.

The New York Times

Yes, some of the burglar alarms on the glass cases had been inoperative for years.

The New York Times

Further testing showed that seven of the eight human V1r genes are inoperative.

The New York Times

But even though the most sensitive hair cells are inoperative, the animal can respond to sounds, although with lesser acuity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Orman wins today, the "Harry Reid agenda" may well be inoperative by the time he gets to Washington.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, "was inoperative" effectively communicates that a law or agreement is no longer valid or enforceable.

Common error

Avoid using "was inoperative" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "wasn't working" or "was broken" are more appropriate for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

"Was inoperative" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of non-functionality or invalidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It's commonly used to specify that something, whether a machine or a law, was not operational or effective at a certain time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Was inoperative" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a past state of non-functionality or invalidity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It finds its primary application in formal contexts such as news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. While the phrase is not as common as simpler alternatives like "was not working", it is valuable for maintaining a professional tone in technical and legal documentation. When writing, be mindful of the context and opt for simpler phrasing in casual conversation. Remember, the phrase is most effective when conveying precise information in settings where clarity and formality are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not working

Replaces "inoperative" with a more common and simple phrase.

was out of order

Offers a less formal way to say something wasn't functioning.

was non-functional

Substitutes "inoperative" with a synonym, keeping a similar level of formality.

ceased to function

Emphasizes the cessation of activity.

became ineffective

Shifts the focus to the lack of desired effect.

was invalid

Highlights that it's no longer legally binding.

was not in effect

Focuses on the lack of legal force or implementation.

failed to operate

Directly states the failure of something to work.

was disabled

Suggests that something was intentionally made non-functional.

was suspended

Implies a temporary cessation of function or legal force.

FAQs

How can I use "was inoperative" in a sentence?

You can use "was inoperative" to describe something that is not functioning, such as "The machine "was inoperative" due to a power outage" or to indicate that a law or rule is no longer in effect.

What's a simpler way to say "was inoperative"?

Alternatives include "was not working", "was out of order", or "was broken", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "was inoperative"?

"Was inoperative" is suitable for formal or technical contexts where precision is important. It is often used in legal, engineering, and scientific writing.

Is "was inoperative" different from "is inoperative"?

Yes, "was inoperative" refers to a past state, while "is inoperative" refers to a present state. For example, "The device "was inoperative" yesterday" indicates it was not working in the past, while "The device "is inoperative"" means it is not working now.