was unreachable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was unreachable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or entity that could not be contacted or accessed at a particular time. Example: "During the storm, the emergency services were unreachable due to the downed communication lines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But everyone assumed it was unreachable.

The New York Times

Mingus Rude was unreachable, blurred, maybe high, Dylan saw now.

The New Yorker

It was unreachable by boat, so the operation continued by helicopter.

Independent

She had left Princeton decades before, had remarried, and was unreachable.

The New Yorker

The Austrian news agency reported that Mr. Haider, who is governor of Carinthia, was unreachable.

The New York Times

On December 4th, in a message to Cameron Winklevoss, Zuckerberg wrote, "Sorry I was unreachable tonight.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is unreachable.

The Guardian

He has since been unreachable.

The New York Times

HOW many are unreachable or missing?

The New York Times

Homer himself is unreachable and unaccountable.

The New Yorker

When contacted by The Independent, Schweinsteiger's representatives were unreachable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was unreachable", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was trying to reach the subject and why. Providing this context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "was unreachable" implies permanent inaccessibility. Specify the timeframe or conditions that made the subject unreachable to prevent misinterpretations. For example, "the server was unreachable for a few hours" is more precise than simply stating "the server was unreachable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unreachable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject could not be contacted or accessed. Ludwig examples show its wide applicability in describing people, places, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was unreachable" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that describes the state of being inaccessible or impossible to contact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Scientific publications. While closely related phrases like "could not be reached" and "was inaccessible" exist, understanding the nuances of each option enables precise communication. When employing "was unreachable", ensure clarity by specifying the timeframe and context, especially whether the inaccessibility is temporary or permanent. Overall, the phrase is easily understood and its usage is consistent with its definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not be reached

Focuses on the inability to make contact.

was inaccessible

Highlights the lack of access to a person or place.

could not be contacted

Emphasizes the failure to establish communication.

was out of reach

Implies a physical or metaphorical distance preventing access.

was beyond reach

Suggests a stronger sense of impossibility in reaching someone or something.

was unavailable

States a temporary or permanent lack of availability.

was uncontactable

Highlights that contact was not possible.

was isolated

Emphasizes the separation and lack of connection.

was cut off

Indicates a severing of communication or access.

was beyond communication

Focuses specifically on the impossibility of communicating with someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "was unreachable" to describe someone or something that could not be contacted or accessed. For example, "During the storm, the emergency services "were unreachable" due to the downed communication lines."

What can I say instead of "was unreachable"?

You can use alternatives like "could not be reached", "was inaccessible", or "could not be contacted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "were unreachable" instead of "was unreachable"?

Yes, use "were unreachable" when referring to plural subjects. For example, "The team members "were unreachable" due to their remote location."

What's the difference between "was unreachable" and "could not be reached"?

Both phrases are similar, but "could not be reached" emphasizes the effort to contact someone, while "was unreachable" simply states the state of being inaccessible. The difference is subtle and they are often interchangeable.