was not human

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not human" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing something or someone that lacks human qualities or characteristics. Example: "The creature in the story was not human, but rather a mythical being with extraordinary powers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I was not human".

The Economist

"Beautiful to him, but it was not human.

The Guardian - Books

Hoffmann, horrified, must at last accept that Olympia was not human.

Britannica

But this time it was not human nature that would ensure our doom, but nature itself.

The Guardian - Books

"The style had nothing to do with realism, because the idea was that God was not human," Mr. Filippakis said.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the fact that Queenie was not human did allow him to say things that could not otherwise be said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In the latter case, the liver was not human-sized – one of the reasons why scientists are now using pigs.

The Guardian

That year he wrote in his book Crippled America that climate change was not human-caused, although he did not explain the reasoning behind his belief.

The Guardian

He wasn't human".

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't human enough.

The Guardian

I knew I wasn't human.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations. The phrase can sometimes imply a lack of empathy or moral failing, so choose it carefully.

Common error

While it's tempting to use "was not human" metaphorically to describe someone's behavior, consider whether a more nuanced phrase like "lacked empathy" or "acted inhumanely" might be more precise and less dehumanizing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not human" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, attributing a quality (or lack thereof) to a subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Books

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not human" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote something that lacks human characteristics. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific articles. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to be mindful of its potential connotations, particularly when used metaphorically. Alternatives like "was non-human" or "lacked humanity" may provide greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was non-human

Replaces "not human" with its direct synonym "non-human", maintaining a high degree of interchangeability.

was inhuman

Emphasizes the lack of human qualities, often with a negative connotation of cruelty or brutality.

lacked humanity

Focuses on the absence of humaneness or compassion, shifting the emphasis from physical form to moral qualities.

was other than human

Indicates a distinction from humanity, suggesting a different nature or origin.

transcended human limitations

Implies surpassing typical human capabilities, often in a positive or aspirational sense.

was beyond human comprehension

Highlights the inability of humans to understand or grasp something, often due to its complexity or scale.

defied human classification

Suggests something that cannot be categorized within human frameworks or systems.

was of a different species

Specifies a biological distinction, indicating membership in a separate species.

was an artificial being

Indicates that something was created, rather than being born, as a human.

possessed otherworldly qualities

Implies a connection to realms or beings beyond the natural world, suggesting supernatural characteristics.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says something "was not human"?

Saying something "was not human" typically indicates it lacks characteristics associated with humans, either literally (like a robot or animal) or metaphorically (lacking empathy or compassion).

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

You can use alternatives like "was non-human", "was inhuman", or "lacked humanity" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was not human" to describe someone's behavior?

While you can use "was not human" metaphorically to describe behavior that lacks empathy or is considered cruel, be mindful of the potential for dehumanization. More precise phrases like "acted inhumanely" or "lacked compassion" might be more appropriate.

How does "was not human" differ from "inhuman"?

"Was not human" is a factual statement denying human status, while "inhuman" often implies cruelty or a lack of compassion. Something can be "not human" without being "inhuman" (e.g., a robot), but "inhuman" acts are often seen as violating basic human values.