was not heard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not heard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not audible or that a statement or request was not acknowledged or recognized. Example: "Despite her efforts to speak up, her voice was not heard during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was not heard from again.

The New Yorker

So the new evidence was not heard.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chant was not heard again.

The Guardian

"But our stance was not heard there".

The New York Times

Mr. Schwarzenegger's name was not heard in Wednesday's meeting.

The New York Times

352 U.S. 1, 862, 77 S.Ct. 8. Argument on the merits, therefore, was not heard.

Cornell University

The high-frequency vibration in the brake system due to the action of the control system was not heard if an ultrasonic control frequency was used.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

For those wondering why I was not heard or seen on Twitter during the game, apologies.

The New York Times

Mr. Saharkhiz's court case was not heard until more than one year later.

The New York Times

He waited in the courtroom all day, but the case was not heard.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the filmmaker was not hearing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, clarify why something "was not heard". For example, specify whether it was due to external noise, lack of attention, or deliberate disregard.

Common error

While "was not heard" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The complaint was not heard by the manager", try "The manager did not hear the complaint".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not heard" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence did not receive auditory attention or acknowledgment. Ludwig examples demonstrate use cases across various source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not heard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction that effectively communicates a lack of audibility or acknowledgment. As shown by Ludwig, its presence in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific reports, demonstrates its versatility and broad applicability. While the phrase is valid, writers should consider whether more direct alternatives such as "went unheard" or active voice constructions would enhance clarity and impact. Overall, "was not heard" is a reliable option for conveying a failure in communication or recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went unheard

Replaces the passive construction with a more concise verb phrase emphasizing the lack of attention.

was overlooked

Focuses on the lack of attention or consideration given to something.

did not register

Highlights that something failed to make an impression or be understood.

was ignored

Emphasizes a deliberate act of disregarding something.

was unheeded

Similar to 'ignored' but carries a more formal and literary tone.

fell on deaf ears

An idiomatic expression indicating that advice or a request was not listened to.

was not acknowledged

Highlights the lack of formal recognition or response.

was not received

Focuses on the failure of a message or signal to be successfully conveyed or understood.

was imperceptible

Indicates that something was too subtle or faint to be noticed or heard.

was inaudible

Specifically refers to something that could not be heard due to being too quiet.

FAQs

What does "was not heard" mean?

The phrase "was not heard" indicates that something or someone wasn't audible, acknowledged, or given attention. It implies a failure in communication or recognition.

What are some alternatives to "was not heard"?

You can use alternatives such as "went unheard", "was overlooked", or "was ignored" depending on the context.

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

You can use "was not heard" to describe a situation where a sound wasn't audible (e.g., "His whisper was not heard in the noisy room") or where a request wasn't acknowledged (e.g., "Her plea for help was not heard").

Is it better to use "was not heard" or "went unheard"?

Both "was not heard" and "went unheard" are correct, but "went unheard" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired tone and emphasis.