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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was not determined
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was not determined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a decision, outcome, or conclusion has not been reached or established. Example: "The cause of the issue was not determined despite extensive investigation."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
was not deemed
was not accommodated
was not categorized
could not be identified
was not deemed sufficient
remained a mystery
remained unclear
was not established
was considered inadequate
is still unknown
was not demonstrated
was not declared
was not contemplated
was not suggested
was not recommended
was judged inappropriate
was left unresolved
was not considered
was found to be unnecessary
was not defined
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The cause was not determined.
News & Media
Cause of death was not determined.
News & Media
Test-retest reliability was not determined.
Science
The cause of the fire was not determined.
News & Media
No injuries were reported, and the cause was not determined.
News & Media
Why the gate failed was not determined, the report said.
News & Media
The cause of death was not determined, pending an autopsy.
News & Media
The effect of AKI on patient outcomes was not determined.
Tyrosine was not determined.
Science
Reaction temperature was not determined.
The total cross section was not determined.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "was not determined" when you want to clearly state that a specific aspect or outcome could not be established with the available information. Be specific about what "was not determined" to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "was not determined" as a generic placeholder. If possible, provide some indication of why the determination could not be made or what steps were taken to try and determine it.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was not determined" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject was unable to be determined. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and used to express uncertainty or a lack of resolution. Examples show usage across various domains.
Frequent in
Science
73%
News & Media
23%
Wiki
2%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "was not determined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a lack of resolution or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in science and news reporting. The phrase's purpose is to communicate that something remains unknown or unconfirmed. While versatile, it's best practice to provide context regarding the reason for the lack of determination. Alternatives like "remained undetermined" or "was not ascertained" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in tone or emphasis. The phrase "was not determined" serves as a valuable tool for conveying objectivity in situations where a definitive answer remains elusive.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
remained undetermined
This alternative emphasizes the ongoing lack of a determination.
was not ascertained
This alternative suggests a formal investigation failed to establish something.
was not established
This alternative implies that something couldn't be proven or validated.
was left unresolved
This suggests the issue or question was not solved or answered.
is still unknown
This is a more direct and simple way of saying something is not known.
defied determination
This alternative emphasizes that the thing in question resisted attempts to be determined.
could not be identified
This suggests an inability to pinpoint or recognize something.
has not been clarified
This alternative indicates that something remains unclear or vague.
evaded conclusion
This emphasizes that a conclusion was actively avoided or impossible to reach.
remained a mystery
This offers a more figurative way of expressing something is unknown or unexplained.
FAQs
What does "was not determined" mean?
The phrase "was not determined" indicates that a conclusion, cause, or specific piece of information could not be established or found out using the methods or information available.
What are some alternatives to saying "was not determined"?
You can use alternatives such as "remained undetermined", "was not ascertained", or "is still unknown" depending on the context.
Is it grammatically correct to say "was not determined"?
Yes, the phrase "was not determined" is grammatically correct in English. It follows standard passive voice construction.
When is it appropriate to use "was not determined" in writing?
Use "was not determined" when you need to clearly state that a specific outcome or piece of information could not be established, often due to insufficient evidence or inconclusive results. It's common in reports, scientific papers, and investigations.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested