sans teeth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sans teeth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is lacking teeth, often in a metaphorical sense to imply weakness or ineffectiveness. Example: "The proposal was sans teeth, lacking any real power to enforce change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Sans eyes, sans teeth, sans everything.

The Guardian

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE described old age as "second childishness"—sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste.

The Economist

Shakespeare referred to life's final scenes as "second childishness and mere oblivion, / sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything".

The New Yorker

THE developed world is heading into what Shakespeare described as "second childishness and mere oblivion, sans eyes, sans teeth, sans taste, sans everything".

The Economist

(Genzlinger) 'THE RIGHT KIND OF PEOPLE' Satire sans teeth by Charles Grodin about internecine warfare within a Fifth Avenue co-op board.

The New York Times

(Isherwood) 'THE RIGHT KIND OF PEOPLE' Satire sans teeth by Charles Grodin about internecine warfare within a Fifth Avenue co-op board.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

After no foul was assessed on the play, Smith was forced to jump for the ball sans tooth.

Forbes

Younger images of Washington, sans wooden teeth and wig, are being created by a plastic surgeon, forensic scientists and other experts.

Forbes

Although getting accurate information on the building can be like pulling teeth sans Novocain, buyers should not go forward with a proposed purchase, if due diligence questions are not answered to their reasonable satisfaction.

Huffington Post

He's grinning broadly, sans one front tooth, beaming with obvious pride.

Huffington Post

On a scale of getting your teeth pulled sans anesthesia to retreating to bed after a long day on your feet, the dreaded internship hunt ranks somewhere around running a marathon with no training -- a slow, arduous, near-impossible process that never ends.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sans teeth" sparingly and primarily in contexts where a touch of formality or archaism is desired. In most modern contexts, simpler alternatives like "toothless" or "without teeth" are preferable.

Common error

Don't overuse "sans" in casual conversation. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. Reserve "sans teeth" and similar phrases for specific effects or contexts where formality or a touch of classical allusion is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sans teeth" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, often used adjectivally. It modifies a noun by indicating the absence of teeth. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English and its capacity to describe a lack, either literally or metaphorically, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sans teeth", meaning without teeth, is grammatically correct but somewhat uncommon in modern English. Ludwig confirms that it is usable, often carrying a formal or slightly archaic tone, rooted in Shakespearean usage. While "sans teeth" is understood, alternatives such as "toothless" or "without teeth" are more common. Its use is generally reserved for contexts where a touch of formality or classical allusion is desired, mainly within news, media, or literature. Overusing this phrase in casual conversation may sound pretentious. In summary, while valid, "sans teeth" should be employed thoughtfully and intentionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toothless

Direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of teeth.

edentulous

Formal term for having no teeth.

without teeth

Literal description of lacking teeth.

lacking teeth

Emphasizes the deficiency of teeth.

devoid of teeth

Highlights a complete absence of teeth.

without dental structure

Focuses on the absence of any dental formation.

missing teeth

Simple statement that teeth are absent.

tooth-free

Informal way to say there are no teeth.

gummy

Descriptive term referring to the gums, implying absence of teeth.

without dentures

Specifies the absence of artificial teeth.

FAQs

How can I use "sans teeth" in a sentence?

You can use "sans teeth" to describe someone or something that is lacking teeth. For example, "The old man was nearly "toothless", his smile now "sans teeth"." It can also be used metaphorically to indicate something lacking power or effectiveness.

What is a more common alternative to "sans teeth"?

A more common alternative to "sans teeth" is "toothless". This word is more readily understood in contemporary English.

Is "sans teeth" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sans teeth" is grammatically correct, though it may sound somewhat archaic or formal. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

What does "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste" mean?

This phrase, originating from Shakespeare's "As You Like It", describes the final stage of life as one of decline, lacking teeth, eyes, taste, and everything else. It's a poetic and metaphorical way to express extreme old age and decrepitude.