was not used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not used" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something was not taken advantage of or made use of. For example: "The software system was not used to its fullest potential."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The indemnity was not used.

The New York Times

Sánchez was not used Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

The child was not used to her.

The New Yorker

Hamer was not used as a witness.

Cornell University

A ZnS SILAR coating was not used.

Nature

He was not used in the game.

The New York Times - Sports

The drug was not used, however.

The New York Times - Health

"Live fire was not used," it said.

The Guardian

I was not used to it.

The Guardian

Finite-element analysis was not used.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

It was not used to reduce ectoparasites.

Animal Behaviour

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific action or tool, be clear about why it "was not used". Provide context to help the reader understand the implications of its non-use.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "was not used" without explaining the situation. Clarify the reasons behind its non-use to provide a more complete picture to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not used" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the absence of utilization. It serves to negate the action of using something, signifying that a particular object, method, or resource was not put into service. As supported by Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not used" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something was not utilized. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable across diverse contexts. With a neutral register, this phrase commonly appears in scientific, news, and academic writing, conveying a clear message of non-application. When employing "was not used", ensure clarity by specifying the reasons behind the non-use to provide a more comprehensive understanding for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unused

Focuses on the state of being unused, emphasizing that something stayed in that condition.

went unapplied

Suggests that an opportunity or resource for application was missed or ignored.

was not implemented

Indicates that a plan, system, or method was never put into effect or practice.

was left untouched

Emphasizes that something was deliberately or accidentally not interfered with or used.

was not actioned

Implies that a task or instruction was not carried out or acted upon.

was not consumed

Focuses on the fact that something was not used up or expended.

was not exercised

Highlights the failure to utilize a right, ability, or option.

was not exploited

Suggests that an advantage or resource was available but not taken.

was not operated

Indicates that a machine, system or process was not in function.

was not activated

Emphasizes that something capable of being turned on or initiated remained dormant.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was not used" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "remained unused" or "was not implemented". These alternatives often convey a greater sense of precision and objectivity.

What are some situations where something "was not used"?

The phrase "was not used" can apply to various scenarios, such as equipment that remained unused due to malfunction, strategies that were not implemented due to unforeseen circumstances, or resources that were not consumed because they were unnecessary.

Is there a difference between "was not used" and "was not utilized"?

While both phrases are similar, "was not utilized" implies a more deliberate decision not to use something, whereas "was not used" is more general and can encompass situations where something was simply unavailable or overlooked. You can consider was not utilized

What is a good way to provide context when stating that something "was not used"?

To provide context, specify why the item "was not used". Was it because of a change in plans, a lack of resources, or the availability of a better alternative? Clarifying the reason enhances the reader's understanding.