were not remarkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were not remarkable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that did not stand out or was not impressive in a particular context. Example: "The results of the experiment were not remarkable, leading the researchers to consider alternative methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The influences of temperature and oxygen concentration on deposit combustion rate were not remarkable.

Fuel Processing Technology

In the whole, response differences of element distribution to various fertilizer treatments were not remarkable.

Agricultural Sciences in China

Bernanke's statements on Wednesday were not remarkable, given the pressure on him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Comparing the models, for the two different lateral resistance systems, the dynamic response of columns were different, but were not remarkable.

Case Studies in Construction Materials

While they had no flaws, fried calamari and roasted duck with a lovely corn relish were not remarkable in the face of heavy competition.

The New York Times

The contents of the crates, which had been made cheaply in China, were not remarkable in themselves, but their number - 987 - suggested a new function had been found for machetes beyond their standard use in slicing mangoes and cutting grass.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

As if the guy weren't remarkable enough, he does all this while suffering from tinnitus.

The New Yorker

The croutons weren't remarkable, but the lettuce was a fine crisp Romaine.

Los Angeles Times

Carlyle's case is not remarkable.

The Guardian - Books

That in itself is not remarkable.

The New York Times - Sports

This in itself is not remarkable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were not remarkable" to objectively describe something that did not exhibit exceptional qualities or have a significant impact. Avoid using it when a stronger negative connotation is intended; consider alternatives like "were disappointing" or "were inadequate" in such cases.

Common error

Avoid using "were not remarkable" when expressing a strong personal opinion or feeling. This phrase is better suited for objective assessments. For example, instead of saying "The movie was not remarkable", consider "I found the movie uninspiring" to convey your subjective experience more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were not remarkable" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun, indicating a lack of exceptional or noteworthy qualities. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were not remarkable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that lacks distinction or is unexceptional. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. While it is generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid overuse in subjective situations. Alternatives include "were unremarkable" or "were not significant", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were unremarkable

Simple synonym replacement; directly substitutes "remarkable" with "unremarkable".

were ordinary

Directly states the lack of exceptional qualities.

were not significant

Focuses on the lack of importance or impact rather than general impressiveness.

were not noteworthy

Emphasizes the absence of qualities that would make something worth taking note of.

were commonplace

Highlights the common or ordinary nature of something.

didn't stand out

Focuses on the absence of prominence or distinction.

were typical

Indicates conformity to a standard or norm, implying a lack of uniqueness.

were nothing special

Informal way of expressing a lack of exceptional quality.

were fairly standard

Suggests adherence to a common standard, implying a lack of exceptionality.

were run-of-the-mill

Emphasizes the lack of distinction, suggesting something is average or unexceptional.

FAQs

How can I use "were not remarkable" in a sentence?

The phrase "were not remarkable" is used to describe something that was ordinary or did not stand out. For example, "The test results "were not remarkable", indicating no significant improvement."

What is a more formal alternative to "were not remarkable"?

More formal alternatives include "were unremarkable", "were not significant", or "were not noteworthy". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "were unremarkable" or "were not remarkable"?

Both "were unremarkable" and "were not remarkable" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Were unremarkable" is slightly more concise, while "were not remarkable" might be preferred for emphasis or clarity in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "were not remarkable" and "were disappointing"?

"Were not remarkable" implies a lack of distinction or impressiveness, while "were disappointing" suggests that something failed to meet expectations. The former is more neutral, while the latter carries a negative connotation.