void ab initio

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "void ab initio" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to indicate that something is considered invalid from the outset, as if it never existed. Example: "The contract was deemed void ab initio, meaning it had no legal effect from the moment it was created."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some of these philosophers think that constitutional law expresses the ultimate criteria of legal validity: because unjust remedies are constitutionally invalid and void ab initio, legally speaking they never existed (Waluchow).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can ab initio rescue languages?

The Guardian

Which, of course, is precisely the kind of thinking that Nader abolished, ab initio.

The Guardian

Meanwhile at Southampton, another Russell Group institution with a languages focus, ab initio courses are longer established.

The Guardian

"If Dingell and Waxman were running ab initio, I'd vote for Waxman.

The New Yorker

Once you become susceptible to moods, you become susceptible to discouragement and demoralisation, which I abolished, ab initio".

The Guardian

He continued: "Having ready [land-based] forces sends strategic messages to potential adversaries that will shape their behaviour towards us, ab initio … they serve as a deterrent".

The Guardian - Opinion

At Oxford, ab initio German introduced this year has proved popular, and nine students are signed up for September (compared with 70 who have German A-level).

The Guardian

At the moment, he believes, ab initio options are recognised only by those who are "looking at languages already, so it isn't really helping revive languages.

The Guardian

ab initio molecular dynamics.

Geochemical Transactions

Vienna ab initio simulation package.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "void ab initio" when you need to emphasize that something was never legally valid from its very beginning, especially in legal or technical documents for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "void ab initio" loosely in everyday conversation; it's a technical term. In non-legal contexts, simpler phrases like "invalid from the start" are generally more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "void ab initio" functions as a legal term, indicating that something is considered invalid from its origin. Ludwig identifies it as a correct and usable phrase in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "void ab initio" is a legal term signifying that something is invalid from the beginning. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and is most appropriately used in formal contexts such as legal documents and academic discussions. Alternative phrases, such as "null and void from the outset", may be suitable in less formal settings. Understanding the specific legal meaning is crucial to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

null and void from the outset

Emphasizes the lack of legal effect from the very beginning, similar to "void ab initio".

invalid from inception

Highlights the point at which the invalidity began.

legally nonexistent from the start

Focuses on the legal standing or lack thereof from the beginning.

without legal force from the beginning

Directly states the absence of legal power since its creation.

ineffective since its origin

Stresses the lack of effectiveness since the beginning.

deemed never to have existed legally

Highlights the retroactive negation of its legal existence.

retrospectively invalidated

Indicates that the invalidation applies to a past period.

cancelled from its creation

Focuses on the action of cancelling and the time frame of this action.

considered legally null from the beginning

Emphasizes the consideration and legal aspect from the beginning.

inherently void

Highlights a fundamental flaw that renders it void.

FAQs

What does "void ab initio" mean?

"Void ab initio" is a Latin phrase meaning "void from the beginning". It's used in law to describe something that was never legally valid.

How is "void ab initio" used in legal contexts?

In law, "void ab initio" indicates that a contract, agreement, or action was never legally effective and has no legal standing from its creation.

What can I say instead of "void ab initio"?

You can use alternatives like "null and void from the outset", "invalid from inception", or "legally nonexistent from the start" depending on the context.

Is "void ab initio" the same as "voidable"?

No, "void ab initio" means something was never valid, while "voidable" means it's valid until challenged and declared void. A voidable contract, for instance, can be affirmed or rejected by one party.