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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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was not achieved

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not achieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular goal, objective, or outcome was not successfully reached or completed. Example: "Despite our best efforts, the target for this quarter was not achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not achieved.

News & Media

The New York Times

That goal was not achieved.

News & Media

The New York Times

Thus, tolerance was not achieved.

Science & Research

Nature

This was not achieved by chance.

Anaesthesia was not achieved at those concentrations.

World leadership in space was not achieved easily.

During the Kamakura period, total warrior dominance was not achieved.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

The Conquest was not achieved at a single stroke.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

Yes, a surplus was not achieved in 2013.

News & Media

The Guardian

Even then, some would argue, true reconciliation was not achieved.

News & Media

The New York Times

"An intercept was not achieved," the statement said.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not achieved", ensure the context clearly specifies what objective or goal was not met. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "was not achieved" without specifying the actor if it's relevant. While grammatically correct, omitting the actor can sometimes make the sentence vague. If appropriate, clarify who attempted to achieve the goal.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not achieved" functions as a predicate in a passive construction. According to Ludwig AI, this construction indicates that a particular goal, objective, or outcome did not happen or was not successfully reached. It describes a state of incompletion or failure to attain a desired result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was not achieved" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the failure to reach a specific objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for formal and informal communication, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedia-style writing. While direct synonyms exist, alternatives such as "failed to materialize" or "was not accomplished" offer slightly different nuances. When using "was not achieved", ensure clear context and specify the actor if relevant, preventing any ambiguity. Always aim for the right alternative to your sentence.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "was not attained", "proved unsuccessful", or "failed to materialize". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "was not achieved" and "was not accomplished"?

While both are similar, "was not achieved" generally implies a broader sense of not reaching a goal, whereas "was not accomplished" focuses more on the lack of completion of a specific task. The interchangeability depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "the goal was not achieved by us"?

Yes, the sentence "The goal was not achieved by us" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction that emphasizes the goal and the lack of achievement, specifying who failed to achieve it. You could also rephrase it actively as "We did not achieve the goal".

What are some common scenarios where I might use the phrase "was not achieved"?

You might use "was not achieved" when discussing project outcomes, research results, personal goals, or any situation where a desired result "did not pan out". It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: