was not willing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not willing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's unwillingness to do something in a past context. Example: "She was not willing to compromise on her principles, even when pressured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was not willing," she told me.

The New Yorker

She was not willing to come out.

The New York Times

Ismāʿīl, however, was not willing to give up his autocracy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was not willing to write them off completely".

The New York Times - Books

And he was not willing to go to another team.

The New York Times - Sports

However, he was not willing to accept these terms.

The Guardian - Sport

And that was something I was not willing to acknowledge.

The Guardian

Bayer was not willing to point fingers over the deaths.

The Guardian

But Senator Helms was not willing to give up.

The New York Times

Sadly, he was not willing to remove his clothes.

The Guardian - Arts

He was not willing to comply in silence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not willing", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the unwillingness. Providing the reason adds clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was not willing" in overly informal contexts where a simpler term like "didn't want to" would be more appropriate. Choose language that matches the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not willing" functions as a verb phrase expressing past unwillingness or reluctance. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing a person's decision or disposition towards a specific action or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not willing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a past lack of willingness or agreement. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing, although the register leans towards neutral. While the phrase effectively conveys a subject's reluctance, alternative expressions such as "refused to" or "declined to" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to communicate. Always consider the context and tone when choosing the best way to express unwillingness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refused to

Directly indicates a refusal or unwillingness.

would not

Expresses a firm refusal or determination not to do something.

declined to

A more formal way of expressing refusal.

was reluctant to

Indicates hesitation or unwillingness.

was disinclined to

A formal way to express a lack of enthusiasm or willingness.

did not want to

Simple and direct expression of unwillingness.

objected to

Implies a stronger opposition or disagreement.

opposed to

Highlights active resistance or disagreement.

had no intention of

Emphasizes a lack of plans or desire to do something.

was against

A simpler way of saying someone was in opposition.

FAQs

What does "was not willing" mean?

The phrase "was not willing" indicates a lack of desire, inclination, or agreement to do something in the past. It suggests a conscious decision to avoid a particular action or situation.

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

You can use "was not willing" to describe someone's past reluctance or refusal. For example: "He was not willing to compromise on his principles" or "She was not willing to accept the offer".

What are some alternatives to "was not willing"?

Alternatives include "refused to", "declined to", "was reluctant to", or "did not want to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "was not willing" or "refused to"?

Both "was not willing" and "refused to" are grammatically correct, but "refused to" is a stronger, more direct statement of refusal. "Was not willing" can imply a lack of enthusiasm or agreement rather than outright rejection.