devoid of romance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of romance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks romantic qualities or elements, often in contexts discussing relationships, literature, or experiences. Example: "The movie was entertaining, but it was ultimately devoid of romance, leaving the audience wanting more emotional depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

For all that, "Apollo 11" is not entirely devoid of romance.

The New York Times

But their relationship had been devoid of romance until November, when, Dr. Bennett said, he began behaving differently.

The New York Times - Style

The most refreshing views of Cuba are those devoid of romance, particularly those in which the subjects appear to confront the camera.

The New York Times - Arts

They seem devoid of romance, save perhaps the bleaker kind that attracts girls of song who, with men named Billy Joe, throw something off them.

The New York Times

This has given young women glimpses of a better life, unencumbered by the traditions that have constricted women for centuries to a life of obedience and child-rearing, one devoid of romance.

The New York Times

But the description is in less-than-ideal terms and certainly devoid of romance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Here you have a love story devoid of traditional romance, yet radiating with relatable romance at every turn.

Huffington Post

If someone posts a sign immortalizing one of his homers, it is bound to be statistically accurate, devoid of all romance, exaggeration and mythology.

The New York Times - Sports

You'll be sitting under fluorescent lights in a boisterous and fun environment, devoid of any romance.

Vice

For many, the return home to civilian live is completely devoid of the romance and triumph that had kept them hopeful during battle.

Huffington Post

He disliked the modern world, and the language of his verse is edgy and devoid of lyricism or romance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship or story as "devoid of romance", ensure the context clearly indicates whether this is a desired or undesired trait. The absence of romance can be a deliberate artistic choice or a lamentable deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of romance" when a lighter term like "unromantic" would suffice. "Devoid" suggests a significant absence, so reserve it for situations where the lack of romance is a notable or impactful characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of romance" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a lack of romantic qualities. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing movies, relationships, and other elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoid of romance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for indicating the absence of romantic qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most frequently found in News & Media and holds a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "lacking romance" or "bereft of romance" exist, "devoid of romance" emphasizes a complete absence, suggesting it should be used when the lack of romance is a notable feature. Pay attention to the context to ensure it aligns with your intended meaning and formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in romance

Directly replaces "devoid" with "lacking", maintaining a similar level of formality.

bereft of romance

Uses "bereft" as a synonym for "devoid", adding a slightly more literary tone.

without any romance

Simplifies the phrase by using "without any" instead of "devoid of", making it more straightforward.

absent of romance

Replaces "devoid" with "absent", providing a more clinical or detached feel.

empty of romance

Uses "empty" to emphasize a sense of hollowness or absence where romance should be.

no romance present

Inverts the structure to focus on the absence of romance as a present quality.

romance is nonexistent

Emphasizes the complete lack of romance, stating it does not exist.

romanceless

A concise, single-word alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

unromantic

Describes something as not possessing romantic qualities, focusing on the inherent nature.

lacking romantic elements

Specifies that the absence pertains to romantic elements rather than romance itself.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of romance" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of romance" to describe a situation, relationship, or piece of art that lacks romantic elements. For example: "Despite the beautiful scenery, their trip was "devoid of romance" due to constant arguments."

What are some alternatives to "devoid of romance"?

Alternatives include "lacking in romance", "bereft of romance", or simply "unromantic". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

Is it correct to say 'devoid of romanticism' instead of "devoid of romance"?

Yes, "devoid of romanticism" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the absence of romantic ideals or qualities. It might be more appropriate in formal or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "devoid of romance" and "lacking romance"?

While similar, "devoid of romance" suggests a complete absence, whereas "lacking romance" implies a deficiency or shortage. "Devoid" is often used for more impactful or complete absences.