but are without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but are without" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of something in a contrasting context. Example: "The team has many resources but are without a clear strategy for implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They have lost their traditional knowledge of foodstuffs, but are without a supply of imported goods.

The Guardian - Books

United sit 12th in the Sky Bet League Two table, two points off the play-off places but are without a win in their last five matches.

Independent

STEVEN STROGATZ Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics, Cornell Univer- sity Mathematics "We're going to see scientific results that are correct, that are predictive, but are without explanation.

The New York Times

O'Neal is the primary force in a league filled with young players, many not long out of high school, who have unprecedented talent but are without a personal compass.

The New York Times - Sports

The type I PAMs, ivermectin, 5-hydroxyindole (5-HI), NS-1738 and genistein and the type II PAM, PNU-120596, are all active on human α7 but are without PAM activity on ACR-16, where they attenuate the amplitude of the ACh response.

Biochemical Pharmacology

This weekend they take on Queens Park Rangers but are without three central-midfield players.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Anderson has overs under his belt, but is without rhythm.

BBC

But they are without a victory this season.

The New York Times

But we are without a car.

Huffington Post

But the figures are without foundation.

The Guardian

But not all relationships are without tension.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but are without" to create a clear contrast between a stated condition and a notable absence. This construction effectively highlights what is missing or lacking in a given situation. Ensure the clauses connected by "but" offer a meaningful contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "but are without" when the clauses it connects are not parallel in structure or do not offer a clear contrast. This can lead to confusing or grammatically awkward sentences. Instead, ensure that the elements being contrasted are logically comparable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but are without" serves as a contrastive conjunction, linking two clauses to highlight a deficiency or absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly indicates a lack of something in a contrasting context. Examples illustrate its role in connecting statements where one condition exists, but something else is missing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but are without" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a contrast while highlighting a lack of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to show a missing element in a situation. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to emphasize deficiencies and limitations. While versatile, ensure parallel structure and logical contrast. Alternatives include "but lack" or "but do not have", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but lack

Emphasizes the absence of something as a deficiency.

but do not have

A more direct and simple way of stating the absence of something.

yet lack

Similar to "but lack" but with a slightly more formal tone.

though lacking

Highlights the deficiency while acknowledging another aspect.

however, they don't possess

A more emphatic way to state the absence of a quality or item.

nevertheless, they miss

Focuses on the absence as a perceived loss or disadvantage.

while deficient in

A formal way to point out a specific deficiency.

despite missing

Highlights the absence, framing it as something that is bypassed or ignored.

even without

Indicates that something proceeds or exists despite the absence of another thing.

yet they are missing

Emphasizes the current state of lacking something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "but are without" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "however, they lack" or "nevertheless, they do not possess". These alternatives provide a similar meaning with a slightly elevated style.

Is it always necessary to use "but" before "are without"?

While "but" is common to introduce a contrast, it's not always required. You can sometimes use alternatives like "yet are without" or "however, are without" to achieve a similar effect. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can I use "but are without" in academic writing?

Yes, "but are without" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when you need to clearly contrast two points. Ensure that its use aligns with the overall tone and style of your academic paper.

What's a simpler way to say "but are without" in everyday conversation?

In casual conversation, you can use simpler alternatives like "but they don't have" or "but they lack".