it was without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was without" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the absence of something in a particular context or situation. Example: "The event was a success, but it was without the usual fanfare that accompanied previous celebrations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was, without doubt, a moment in Greenwich, a place with its own complicated fault lines.

The New York Times

It was, without a doubt, flawless.

The Guardian - Opinion

All reported that it was without foundation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they did and it was without our consent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was, without a doubt, a piece of her book.

The New Yorker

When the end came, it was without warning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not that it was without a semi-respectable scientific pedigree.

The New York Times - Books

"It was, without question, the hardest thing I've ever done," she said.

The New York Times

This moving company's silliness was touching because it was without guile.

The New Yorker

It would not have been half as memorable a year as it was without them.

Independent

It was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable performances of the year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was without", ensure the context clearly indicates what is absent. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was without" when a more direct and active verb would improve the sentence's flow and impact. For instance, instead of saying "The presentation was without visual aids", consider "The presentation lacked visual aids" or "The presentation didn't include visual aids."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was without" functions as a descriptor indicating the absence of a particular attribute or element. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found, serving to highlight what is missing from a situation or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was without" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate the absence of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it commonly appears in news and media contexts to provide specific details. While alternatives like "it lacked" or "it had no" exist, "it was without" offers a neutral and straightforward way to describe what is missing. Remember to ensure clarity in your sentence structure when using this phrase to enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lacked

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

it was missing

States that something was not present when it should have been.

it had no

Uses "had no" to emphasize the complete absence of something.

it was devoid of

Employs "devoid of" for a stronger, more emphatic statement of absence.

it didn't include

Focuses on the exclusion of something from a set or list.

it excluded

Highlights the act of leaving something out or preventing its inclusion.

it failed to include

Highlights that something was not incorporated, perhaps unintentionally.

it omitted

Similar to "excluded", but often used in the context of written or recorded information.

it dispensed with

Indicates that something was intentionally left out or considered unnecessary.

it forwent

A more formal way of saying something was given up or abstained from.

FAQs

How can I use "it was without" in a sentence?

Use "it was without" to indicate the absence of something in a situation or event. For example, "The meeting was productive, but "it was without" any major disagreements."

What are some alternatives to "it was without"?

Alternatives include "it lacked", "it had no", or "it was devoid of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was without" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was without" is grammatically correct and widely used. However, ensure the sentence structure is clear and the absence being described is evident.

What's the difference between "it was without" and "it lacked"?

"It was without" and "it lacked" are often interchangeable, but "it lacked" can sometimes imply a deficiency or need, whereas "it was without" is a more neutral statement of absence.