Without charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Without charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is provided free of cost or without payment. Example: "The service will be provided without charge for the first month to attract new customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both were released without charge.

Independent

All are offered without charge.

The Economist

All released without charge.

The Guardian

Mr Sethi is held without charge.

The Economist

Its contents are available without charge.

The New York Times

They were released without charge on Friday.

Independent

He was later released without charge.

BBC

He was released on bail without charge.

Independent

Chrysler will replace the switches without charge.

The New York Times

The driver took him home without charge.

The New Yorker

I'm being released without charge".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without charge", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is being provided "without charge" to ensure clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "without charge" when the context implies that the service or item is typically expected to be free. In such cases, it might sound redundant or imply a hidden condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without charge" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or verb phrase to indicate that an action is performed or something is given freely, without any financial cost. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which finds the phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without charge" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to indicate that a service or item is provided at no cost. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, formal business contexts, and academic writings. While alternatives like "free of charge" or "at no cost" exist, "without charge" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid any ambiguity. Avoiding redundancy is a key consideration to maintain conciseness and impact. This phrase is a simple yet effective way to communicate value and accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Free of charge

Uses "free" instead of "without", offering a more direct synonym.

No charge

A shortened version of "without charge", maintaining the same meaning.

For free

Similar to "free of charge" but with a slightly different word order.

At no cost

Emphasizes the absence of financial burden or expense.

Complimentary

Often used in business contexts to denote something given as a courtesy.

Without payment

Directly states the absence of a payment requirement.

Gratis

A more formal or less common synonym, primarily used in specific contexts.

At no expense

Highlights the lack of financial burden.

Given freely

Emphasizes the act of giving something without expecting payment.

On the house

An idiomatic expression, usually used in restaurants or bars.

FAQs

How can I use "without charge" in a sentence?

You can use "without charge" to indicate that a service or item is provided at no cost. For example: "The initial consultation is provided without charge."

What's a more formal alternative to "without charge"?

A more formal alternative to "without charge" is "gratis". However, use it with caution, as it is less common and might not be understood by everyone.

Which is correct, "without charge" or "free of charge"?

Both "without charge" and "free of charge" are correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference and the context of your writing.

What's the difference between "without charge" and "complimentary"?

"Without charge" simply means free, while "complimentary" often implies that something is given as a courtesy or a perk, especially in a business setting.