was not compulsory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not compulsory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not required or mandatory in a particular context. Example: "Attendance at the meeting was not compulsory, but it was encouraged for those who could make it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taking part was not compulsory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Because it was not compulsory to do so until the law changed in 2003.

Independent

As far as she was aware, it was not compulsory for staff to wear the hijab.

Independent

Horsforth school, which has academy status, has defended its decision to run the trip, addiing that it was not compulsory.

The Guardian

Although attendance was not compulsory, conservatives viewed the mere existence of girls' schools as an offense against basic morality.

The New Yorker

University spokesmen said this estimate was much too high, but theysaid they could not offer an accurate estimate because class attendance was not compulsory at Fordham.

The New York Times

If voting was not compulsory the equation would be even more different, because only "highly motivated votes would end up casting a ballot".

The Guardian - Opinion

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, March 30thFalse imprisonment "I hope that attendance here was not compulsory...I apologise if you were unwillingly in attendance here".

The Economist

Prior to attending university I had no idea that it was not compulsory to undertake a dissertation and, although I personally have persevered to write one, many of my friends have opted not to do so.

The Guardian

Acharya told students that school uniform was not compulsory for those who had lost their possessions and called for a minute's silence for student Rupa Maharjan, 15, who was killed in the earthquake.

The Guardian

However, David Cameron's official spokesman appeared to contradict the idea that screening was not compulsory when pressed on whether the system was doing enough to catch passengers who are potentially at risk of the virus.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose synonyms like "was optional" or "was not required" to add variety and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was not compulsory" when there are no viable alternatives. If something is impossible rather than optional, use a more accurate description like "was not possible" or "was unattainable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not compulsory" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by describing its state as optional rather than required. As Ludwig shows, this is used in a broad range of situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not compulsory" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something is optional, not required. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, citing numerous examples from reputable sources. It's suitable for various contexts, particularly science and news media, although its register is generally neutral, suitable for informal contexts as well. For variety and clarity, consider using alternatives like "was optional" or "was not required", ensuring that the context accurately reflects the available choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was optional

Emphasizes the choice or possibility of not doing something.

was not required

Indicates that something was not a necessary condition.

was not mandatory

Highlights the absence of a strict rule or obligation.

was not obligatory

Similar to "was not compulsory" but uses a more formal tone.

was voluntary

Focuses on the willingness or consent to participate.

was a matter of choice

Highlights that individuals had the freedom to decide.

was permissible

Suggests that something was allowed but not enforced.

was left to individual choice

Specifies that each person could decide for themselves.

was not a prerequisite

Indicates that something was not a necessary condition to proceed.

was at one's discretion

Indicates that the decision was left to someone's judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "was not compulsory" in a sentence?

Use "was not compulsory" to indicate that an action, attendance, or participation was optional. For example, "Attending the meeting "was not compulsory", but highly encouraged."

What is a synonym for "was not compulsory"?

Synonyms include "was optional", "was not required", or "was not mandatory". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "wasn't compulsory"?

Yes, "wasn't compulsory" is the contracted form of "was not compulsory" and is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "was not compulsory" and "was prohibited"?

"Was not compulsory" means something was optional, while "was prohibited" means it was forbidden or not allowed. They have opposite meanings.