Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was not observed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'was not observed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was absent or that a specific action was not taken. For example: "The professor's directive that students should arrive to class on time was not observed by several students."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
was not detected
was not found
did not occur
didn't see
not present
was not present
escaped detection
went unnoticed
failed to appear
was not verified
was not explored
was not removed
was not retrieved
was not saved
was not implemented
was not resolved
was not enforced
was not demonstrated
was not recognised
was not recognized
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
Myelosuppression was not observed.
Academia
Periventricular leukomalacia was not observed.
Academia
Intercalation was not observed.
Science
Allosuckling was not observed.
Mobbing was not observed.
Science
This pattern was not observed among men.
News & Media
Clinical disease was not observed.
But the gluon was not observed.
News & Media
(1̄01) slip was not observed.
Science
Neurotoxicity was not observed for both substances.
Science
This situation was not observed in U.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "was not observed" in scientific writing, ensure that you clearly state the conditions under which the observation was attempted. This adds rigor and context to your statement.
Common error
Avoid using "was not observed" excessively in situations where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The effect was not observed," consider "We did not observe the effect."
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was not observed" functions as a passive construction indicating the absence of a specific phenomenon or finding. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase, typically found in reports or studies where specific events or results were expected but did not occur.
Frequent in
Science
79%
Academia
12%
News & Media
9%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "was not observed" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to report the absence of a specific finding, predominantly in scientific and academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to be mindful of potential overuse and ensure clear, active voice where appropriate. Alternative phrases like "was not detected" or "did not occur" can add nuance. Therefore, when employing "was not observed", clarity and appropriate context are key.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was not detected
Replaces "observed" with "detected", focusing on the act of finding something.
was not noticed
Shifts the focus to a lack of visual or sensory awareness.
was not found
Emphasizes the absence of something after a search.
did not occur
Indicates that an event or phenomenon did not take place.
was not present
Highlights the absence of something in a specific location or situation.
could not be seen
Focuses on the inability to visually perceive something.
remained unobserved
Implies that something was not observed and continues to be so.
escaped detection
Suggests that something avoided being detected or observed.
went unnoticed
Highlights the lack of attention or observation.
failed to appear
Indicates that something did not manifest or become visible.
FAQs
How can I use "was not observed" in a sentence?
You can use "was not observed" to indicate the absence of a phenomenon, behavior, or result. For example, "No significant change in temperature "was not observed" during the experiment".
What are some alternatives to "was not observed"?
Alternatives include "was not detected", "was not found", or "did not occur", depending on the specific context. These alternatives can provide a more nuanced meaning or better fit the tone of your writing.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was not observed"?
While "was not observed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "We did not observe") can sometimes make your writing more direct and easier to read. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and context.
Can "was not observed" be used in formal and informal writing?
Yes, "was not observed" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "didn't see" or "not present" might be more appropriate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested