was not exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not exceptional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that did not stand out or was average in quality or performance. Example: "The performance of the team was not exceptional, but they managed to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

That was not exceptional.

The Economist

His viewpoint was not exceptional.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This fare was not exceptional.

The Guardian

Apparently, Tengo's case was not exceptional.

The New Yorker

Divine intervention was not exceptional; it was anticipated.

Independent

But in volcano terms Eyjafjallajökull was not exceptional.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Their house wasn't exceptional — a spacious yard, several rooms — except for the bathroom.

The New York Times

It wasn't exceptional but okay.

Independent

However, with the exception of MYC, their vertex degrees were not exceptional.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

This is not exceptional.

The Guardian

But it is not exceptional.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not exceptional", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or expectation is not being met. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "was not exceptional" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "did not demonstrate significant improvement" or "failed to meet the required criteria" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not exceptional" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to qualify a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject in question did not exceed expectations or perform at a notable level. Ludwig AI, based on the provided examples, indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not exceptional" is a grammatically sound and commonly used descriptive phrase that indicates something did not stand out or exceed expectations. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and it commonly appears in neutral contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, consider the specific context and intended nuance, as alternatives like "was unremarkable" or "was quite average" may be more appropriate in certain situations. While acceptable in most situations, overusing it in highly formal writing should be avoided in favor of more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was quite average

Indicates conformity to a typical or normal standard.

was unremarkable

Emphasizes the lack of noticeable qualities or features.

did not stand out

Focuses on the failure to be noticed or distinguished.

was nothing special

Highlights the absence of unique or outstanding characteristics.

was fairly ordinary

Suggests a moderate degree of commonness or typicality.

was not particularly impressive

Emphasizes a lack of striking or memorable qualities.

was rather pedestrian

Implies a lack of imagination or excitement.

was quite commonplace

Stresses the frequent occurrence or widespread nature.

was nothing to write home about

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of impressiveness.

was on the low side

Indicates that the performance or metrics are under average.

FAQs

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

You can use "was not exceptional" to describe something that did not stand out or was average in quality or performance. For example, "The student's performance on the test was not exceptional, but it was satisfactory."

What can I say instead of "was not exceptional"?

You can use alternatives like "was unremarkable", "was nothing special", or "was quite average" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was not exceptional" or "was average"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "was not exceptional" might imply a slightly higher expectation that wasn't met, whereas "was average" simply denotes being at the norm. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the tone conveyed by "was not exceptional"?

The phrase "was not exceptional" generally conveys a neutral to slightly critical tone, indicating that something did not exceed expectations or perform at a noteworthy level. It's less harsh than saying something was "bad" or "poor", but it's also not complimentary.