was not visible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not visible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that could not be seen or was hidden from view at a particular time or in a specific context. Example: "During the presentation, the important data was not visible on the screen due to a technical issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It was not visible from Europe).

The New York Times - Science

Tomlinson's bleeding, however, was not visible.

The Guardian

Their physical strength was not visible.

The New Yorker

The courageous cyclist's face was not visible in the photo.

The Guardian

A 2004 transit was not visible from the western US.

The Guardian

"I just was not visible in New York.

The New York Times

"Che was not visible; he was standing behind the rostrum.

The Guardian - Arts

Such optimism was not visible in the chamber.

The Washington Post

The attack itself was not visible on surveillance cameras.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes it was not visible, held behind the door post.

The Washington Post

Flotus's expression was not visible from our angle".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not visible", ensure the context clearly indicates what obscured the visibility. Providing this context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of "The damage was not visible", write "The damage was not visible due to the thick layer of dust."

Common error

Avoid using "was not visible" without specifying why something was not visible. Overusing the phrase in this way can make your writing vague and less informative. Be specific about the reason for the lack of visibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not visible" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating the absence of visual perception. It typically modifies a noun, specifying that the noun could not be seen. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

42%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not visible" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something could not be seen. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to explain why something was not visible to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "could not be seen" or "was imperceptible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be seen

Direct synonym, focusing on the inability to see something.

was imperceptible

Emphasizes that something was too subtle to be noticed.

was unnoticeable

Highlights that something did not attract attention.

was undetectable

Focuses on the impossibility of detecting something, often by technical means.

remained unseen

Highlights the state of something not being seen over a period of time.

was obscured

Suggests that something was blocked or hidden from view.

was hidden from view

Explicitly states that something was concealed.

escaped notice

Highlights that something was not observed or paid attention to.

was out of sight

Indicates that something was not within the field of vision.

lacked visibility

Focuses on the absence of conditions that would allow something to be seen.

FAQs

What does "was not visible" mean?

The phrase "was not visible" means that something could not be seen or perceived. It implies an absence of visual detectability, whether due to obstruction, distance, or other factors.

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

Alternatives to "was not visible" include "could not be seen", "was imperceptible", or "was undetectable", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "was not visible" in a sentence?

Use "was not visible" to describe something that could not be seen at a particular time or under certain conditions. For example, "The ship was not visible through the fog" or "The tumor was not visible on the initial X-ray."

Is it better to use "could not be seen" or "was not visible"?

Both "could not be seen" and "was not visible" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Was not visible" may sound slightly more formal.