was not removed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not removed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something remained in place or was not taken away or eliminated. Example: "The document was reviewed, and the sensitive information was not removed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Phosphorus was not removed by the system due to the lack of regular sludge removal.

Water Research

He resigned; he was not removed.

The New York Times

But thimerosal was not "removed from children's vaccines in 2001".

The New York Times

"The baby was not removed from the cell.

Independent

But the crushing debt burden on southern European states was not removed, only temporarily eased.

The Guardian

If the option was not removed, the MPs suggested, the game could be banned in Russia.

The Guardian - Tech

The link was not removed until late this afternoon, after a reporter asked about it.

The New York Times

In those nine-and-twenty years he was not removed one day farther from her.

The New Yorker

Property that was not removed would be taken to a sanitation garage, the police said.

The New York Times

The ban was not removed until after 1860, several years after Froebel's death in 1852.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the waste was not removed immediately, the fine would be $163.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not removed" to clearly and directly state that an object, idea, or element remained in its original state or location. This is particularly useful in technical, scientific, or legal contexts where precision is crucial.

Common error

While "was not removed" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem indirect. Consider if an active construction, such as "they did not remove it", would create a more engaging and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not removed" functions as a passive voice construction, specifically indicating that an action (removal) did not occur. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is frequently used to describe the state of an object or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not removed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to clearly state that something remained in its original state or location. While suitable for various contexts, it is particularly common in scientific and news reporting, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When using "was not removed", consider whether active voice might offer a more direct alternative, and remember it is a precise way to say something stayed where it was.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained intact

This alternative emphasizes the state of being whole and untouched, without any alteration or damage.

was left untouched

This suggests something was deliberately not interacted with or changed, often implying a conscious decision.

was preserved

Implies an effort to maintain something in its original condition, often against potential damage or decay.

was retained

Indicates that something was kept or held, often for a specific purpose or reason.

was unbothered

This suggests that something was not disturbed or affected in any way.

stayed in place

Emphasizes the physical location of something, indicating it did not move or get displaced.

was not displaced

Indicates that something was not moved from its original location.

was not altered

Implies that the composition or nature of something remained the same, without any modifications.

was kept

This alternative means that something was retained or maintained in its original condition.

was left alone

This suggests that something was intentionally not touched or interfered with.

FAQs

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

You can use "was not removed" to indicate that something remained in place or unchanged. For instance, "The stain "was not removed" during washing" or "The old software "was not removed" during the update".

What are some alternatives to "was not removed"?

Alternatives include "remained intact", "was left untouched", "was preserved", or "was retained", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "was not removed" formal or informal?

"Was not removed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is often found in technical, scientific, or official writing due to its precision.

Which is correct, "was not removed" or "has not been removed"?

Both "was not removed" and "has not been removed" are grammatically correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Was not removed" refers to a specific point in the past, while "has not been removed" indicates something that started in the past and continues to be true in the present.