is without

USAGE SUMMARY

"is without" is correct and usable in written English.
In general, you can use the phrase to describe the lack of something, often in the form of a noun. For example: "The school is without a principal for the time being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is without logic.

The New Yorker

It is without fear.

The Guardian - Music

This allegation is without foundation".

Independent

"It is without similarity whatsoever".

The New York Times

No society is without it.

The Economist

That is, without a vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

This outbreak is without precedent.

The Economist

No one is without sin.

The New York Times

It is without scale.

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing is without consequence.

The Guardian - Books

It is without precedent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is without" when you want to clearly and directly state the absence of a particular quality, characteristic, or item. For example, "The argument is without merit".

Common error

While correct, "is without" can sound somewhat formal. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "lacks" or "doesn't have" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is without" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the absence of a noun. It connects a subject to a state of lacking something, as seen in examples like "It is without logic" from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is without" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the absence of a particular quality or attribute. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's deemed correct and usable. While "is without" appears most often in News & Media sources, it also finds use in scientific and formal business writing. While completely appropriate, remember it may sound more formal than simpler alternatives like "lacks" or "doesn't have". Use it when precision and clarity are key, but consider your audience and context to achieve the most natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has no

Simple and direct way to express the lack of something.

lacks

Replaces "is without" with a more concise verb indicating absence.

is missing

Highlights that something is absent or incomplete.

does not have

Emphasizes the absence of possession.

is devoid of

Implies a complete absence, often used for abstract qualities.

is absent of

Formally indicates that something is not present.

fails to include

Focuses on the omission of something specific.

does not feature

Emphasizes that something is not a prominent part of a description or list.

is wanting in

Indicates deficiency or inadequacy in a particular aspect.

is bereft of

Suggests a severe or tragic loss of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is without" is used to indicate the absence of something. For instance, you might say "The plan "is without flaw"" to mean the plan has no flaws.

What are some alternatives to "is without"?

Alternatives to "is without" include "lacks", "does not have", or "is devoid of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is without a doubt"?

Yes, the phrase "is without a doubt" is a correct and commonly used idiom to express certainty. However, a more concise alternative is "undoubtedly".

What is the difference between "is without" and "lacks"?

While both express the absence of something, "is without" tends to be more formal. "Lacks" is often a more direct and concise option, especially in less formal writing.