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
devoid of official
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "devoid of official" is not correct in standard written English.
It lacks a noun to complete the thought, making it unclear and incomplete. Example: "The report was devoid of official approval, which raised concerns about its validity."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Encyclopedias
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(4)
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
1 human-written examples
The spread of a variety of exotic religious cults all over the empire, among them Mithraism and Christianity, added a kind of epigraphic underground initially devoid of official sanction and largely unmatched by alternative avenues of preserved written transmission.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
On a popular beach that is groomed, sifted and devoid of vegetation, Santa Monica officials and a local environmental group are restoring three acres of sand to a more natural state.
News & Media
ORHA's young officials, devoid of Iraqi experience, say they are seeking to proceed by consensus among the country's myriad constituencies, and this takes time.
News & Media
"The impact of this lack of policy influence means, in practical terms, that policy decisions are devoid of a critical ingredient – whether career officials believe that an issue can be implemented in a particular manner," said Joel Rubin, who served in Barack Obama's administration as a deputy assistant secretary of state and is now the president of Washington Strategy Group.
News & Media
Relations with these diplomatic officials were not devoid of problems of their own.
Academia
The publicity angered Pyongyang, where officials called him "riffraff devoid of human dignity and values". It was just Kang's first volley against his former tormentors.
News & Media
THE official park map is nearly devoid of references to archaeology, as is the park's Web site.
News & Media
In many places, clumps of scarecrows are arranged in tableaux of village life, part of an official programme to make them seem less devoid of life.
News & Media
Risky behavior can be devoid of risk — unless of course you use your real name and are an elected official.
News & Media
Russian officials were quoted saying that discussions in New York were now "devoid of dramatism".
News & Media
But not all of the former Israeli officials interviewed by the Huffington Post viewed Obama's trip as devoid of courage.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Ensure you follow "devoid of" with a noun that clarifies what is lacking. For instance, use "devoid of official support" or "devoid of official recognition" to make your meaning clear.
Common error
Avoid using "devoid of official" without specifying what it is devoid of. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Always complete the phrase with a noun that provides context.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "devoid of official" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it is incomplete without a noun following "official" to specify what is lacking. It needs to be completed with a noun to properly function.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Encyclopedias
33%
Academia
33%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "devoid of official" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically incomplete without a noun to specify what is lacking. To ensure clarity and correctness, always complete the phrase with a noun, such as "devoid of official support" or "devoid of official recognition". Alternative phrases like "unofficial" or "lacking official sanction" can also be used depending on the specific context. Predominantly used in News & Media, Encyclopedia, and Academic contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
without official authorization
Explicitly states the absence of proper approval.
without official backing
Emphasizes the lack of support or resources from an official entity.
lacking official sanction
More formal and emphasizes the absence of approval or permission.
lacking official status
Focuses on the absence of a formal position or designation.
not officially recognized
Focuses on the lack of formal acknowledgement or acceptance.
unsanctioned
Implies a lack of permission or approval, often in a stricter sense.
not approved
A straightforward way of saying something has not received official approval.
unofficial
Direct antonym implying a lack of official status, shorter and simpler.
non-official
A simpler and more direct way of saying not official.
unendorsed
Highlights the absence of support or approval from authorities.
FAQs
How to properly use "devoid of" in a sentence?
Ensure that "devoid of" is followed by a noun that clarifies what is lacking. For example, "The project was devoid of funding". Without the noun, the sentence is incomplete.
What are some alternatives to "devoid of official"?
Alternatives include "unofficial", "lacking official sanction", or "without official authorization". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is it grammatically correct to say "devoid of official"?
According to Ludwig AI, "devoid of official" is not grammatically correct in standard written English. It requires a noun to complete the thought and provide clarity.
What does "devoid of official" mean?
The phrase on its own is incomplete. It needs a noun following "official" to specify what it is lacking. For example, "devoid of official support" means lacking official support.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested