Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
but without any reference
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "but without any reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is being done or stated without citing sources or providing context. Example: "The report was prepared based on personal observations, but without any reference to existing literature."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
But without any reference point, many people won't be confident enough to plunge into a project.
News & Media
Test Subjects who attend Clinic A will be offered a fact sheet on the health risks of smoking (including lung cancer) and the option of the gene-based test for calculation of lung cancer susceptibility whilst subjects who attend Clinic B will be given the same fact sheet on the health risks of smoking (including lung cancer) but without any reference to the gene-based test.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Viewed intensionally, specific substantial natures are nothing but the set of essential properties that individual substances are to instantiate, but considered without any reference to such instantiations.
Science
In one school, some teachers used Jesus's parables to explore personal feelings or to decide how people should behave, but without using any reference to their religious significance.
News & Media
What it does have here is Amazon MP3, updated June 11 but without any apparent reference to Prime Music.
News & Media
Within this context, some study has been carried out (see, for instance,[30]), but without any explicit reference to femtocells.
23 Drowsiness is mentioned in a few summaries of product characteristics, but without any further reference to the frequency.
Science
Sphyradium dobrogicum Grossu, 1986 was also classified within the genus Orcula in the Fauna Europaea checklist [ 14], but without any published reference.
Science
If we exclude fully-fledged density maps done in recent years but only to address other issues without any reference to networks, such as environmental impacts (see for instance Halpern et al. (2008)), we find that other fleet types received much less attention from a network perspective, so that the global maritime network as a whole remains poorly studied.
This they are doing, it appears, without any reference to each other (though they are on the same bed) and without any overt reference to the viewer.
News & Media
"They have changed primary legislation without any reference to parliament," she said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "but without any reference" to point out when information, arguments, or creative works lack supporting evidence or acknowledgment of prior work. For example, in a research context, it could flag unsubstantiated claims; in creative writing, it could highlight a lack of clear inspiration or source material.
Common error
Avoid using "but without any reference" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and critical. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "yet lacking citation" or "however source-less" where appropriate.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "but without any reference" functions as a transitional phrase that introduces a contrast or exception while highlighting the absence of supporting information or context. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that something is presented or done lacking proper substantiation.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "but without any reference" serves as a versatile phrase to highlight the absence of citations, sources, or context, often implying a contrast or deficiency. Ludwig AI identifies its frequent use in news, scientific, and formal business settings, underlining its importance in analytical and critical discourse. While grammatically sound, overuse should be avoided for stylistic reasons, with alternatives like "however source-less" offering variety. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to draw attention to the lack of supporting information, prompting further inquiry or skepticism.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
but no citation was provided
Explicitly states that no citation was given, making it a more direct and formal alternative.
yet lacking citation
Replaces "but" with "yet" and restructures to emphasize the absence of citation more directly.
yet, no reference to
Briefly mentions no previous reference
though devoid of any citation
Replaces 'without' for a more formal register emphasizing there isn't any citation
however source-less
Uses "however" to introduce the contrast and employs the concise term "source-less" to indicate the lack of references.
though unacknowledged
Emphasizes the lack of acknowledgement or attribution for the information presented.
however, no allusions were made
Mentions the lack of allusion to something
still uncredited
Highlights the absence of credit given to the original source.
still without accreditation
Expresses the lack of authority when claiming something
but no source
A short and direct alternative, useful for brevity.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "but without any reference" for better clarity?
Alternatives include "however source-less", "yet lacking citation", or "but no citation was provided", depending on the context and desired level of formality.
Is it always negative to say something is "but without any reference"?
While often used to point out a deficiency or lack of support, "but without any reference" can also be neutral. For instance, it can describe a new artistic style that intentionally avoids direct influences.
When is it appropriate to use "but without any reference" in academic writing?
It is appropriate when critiquing a source for lacking proper citation or when describing a concept that intentionally deviates from established theories. Always ensure your critique is constructive and well-supported.
What's the difference between "but without any reference" and "without any evidence"?
"But without any reference" indicates a lack of sources or citations. "Without any evidence", on the other hand, implies a lack of proof or support for a claim. While related, they focus on different aspects of substantiation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested