was unavailable

USAGE SUMMARY

"was unavailable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is currently out of reach, not available, or has not been reached. For example: The desired outcome was unavailable, so a different solution was used.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

* Monsieur Bich was unavailable.

The New York Times

Blockbuster was unavailable for comment.

Independent

Disney's was unavailable for comment.

Independent

He was unavailable for comment.

Independent

PwC was unavailable for comment.

Independent

The pilot's name was unavailable.

The New York Times

Information about survivors was unavailable.

The New York Times - Science

Information on survivors was unavailable.

The New York Times

ITV was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian

Arcadia was unavailable for comment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lindros was unavailable for comment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was unavailable" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates why something or someone was unavailable. Providing a brief explanation adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "was unavailable" in passive constructions. Opt for active voice when possible to create more direct and engaging sentences. For instance, instead of "The data was unavailable," consider "We could not obtain the data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unavailable" primarily functions as a predicate adjective. It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating that the subject could not be reached, accessed, or obtained at a specific time in the past. Ludwig examples show its wide usage, and Ludwig AI validates its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was unavailable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a predicate adjective. Ludwig AI confirms this. It communicates that something or someone could not be reached, accessed, or obtained in the past, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "could not be reached" or "was not accessible". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context and avoid overuse in passive voice. Given its frequency and clear purpose, "was unavailable" is a reliable way to express past unavailability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be reached

Focuses on the inability to contact someone, specifically.

could not be accessed

Emphasizes the inability to gain access to something, such as information or a location.

was not accessible

Highlights the general lack of accessibility.

was not obtainable

Stresses the impossibility of obtaining something.

was out of reach

Indicates that something was beyond immediate access or possibility.

was not present

Simplest form indicating absence.

was not on hand

Suggests physical absence or lack of immediate availability.

was not to be found

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of locating something or someone.

was unserviceable

Specifically implies that something is not in working order or cannot be used.

was non-operational

Highlights that something is not functioning at the time.

FAQs

How can I use "was unavailable" in a sentence?

You can use "was unavailable" to indicate that someone or something could not be reached, accessed, or obtained at a particular time. For example, "The manager "was unavailable" for comment due to a prior engagement".

What are some alternatives to saying "was unavailable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "could not be reached", "could not be accessed", or "was not accessible".

Is it grammatically correct to say "was unavailable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "was unavailable". It follows the standard structure of a linking verb ("was") followed by an adjective ("unavailable").

What's the difference between "was unavailable" and "is unavailable"?

"Was unavailable" indicates that something or someone was unavailable in the past, whereas "is unavailable" indicates that something or someone is currently unavailable. For example, "The report "was unavailable" yesterday, but it "is unavailable" today as well".