was not ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not ready" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something was unprepared or not in a suitable state at a specific time in the past. Example: "When the meeting started, I realized I was not ready to present my findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was not ready.

The New York Times - Sports

He was not ready.

The New York Times

Opinion was not ready.

The Guardian

But Roddick was not ready.

The New York Times

Ms. Ginsberg was not ready.

The New York Times

But Soto was not ready.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I was not ready".

The New York Times - Food

"Inside, I was not ready.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"She wasn't ready".

The New York Times - Health

I wasn't ready.

The New York Times

He wasn't ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not ready", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject was unprepared for or unwilling to do. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was not ready" without specifying the reason or context. For example, instead of saying "He was not ready", specify "He was not ready for the responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not ready" functions primarily as an adjective phrase expressing a state of being unprepared, unwilling, or unsuitable for a particular action, event, or responsibility. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing personal feelings, societal conditions, and technical states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not ready" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a state of being unprepared, unwilling, or unsuitable for a specific situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency in news and media sources highlights its relevance in conveying a variety of perspectives. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "was unprepared" or "was unwilling" can provide a more precise nuance. Overall, when using "was not ready", clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unready

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the state of not being ready.

was unprepared

Focuses more on the lack of preparation rather than willingness.

wasn't prepared

A contraction of "was not prepared", conveying the same meaning in a slightly less formal tone.

didn't feel ready

Focuses on the feeling or perception of not being ready.

was reluctant

Highlights a hesitation or unwillingness to do something.

was unwilling

Similar to reluctant, emphasizing a lack of willingness.

was not willing

A more formal version of "was unwilling".

was unequipped

Suggests a lack of necessary equipment or skills.

wasn't up to it

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of ability or confidence.

declined

Implies a refusal or rejection, often due to not feeling ready.

FAQs

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

You can use "was not ready" to indicate a lack of preparation, willingness, or suitability for a particular situation. For example, "She was not ready to take on such a large project".

What are some alternatives to saying "was not ready"?

Consider alternatives like "was unprepared", "was reluctant", or "didn't feel ready", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "was not ready" and "was unprepared"?

"Was not ready" generally indicates a broader state of not being suitable or willing, while "was unprepared" focuses more specifically on a lack of preparation.

When is it more appropriate to use "was unwilling" instead of "was not ready"?

Use "was unwilling" when you want to emphasize a lack of desire or consent, rather than a lack of preparation or capability. "He was unwilling to compromise" highlights his resistance.