was without

USAGE SUMMARY

"was without" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is usually used to describe someone who is lacking something, or is in a state of deprivation. For example: "The family was without electricity and food for several days".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Surrealism was without doubt sexy.

The New Yorker

"My removal was without justification".

The New York Times

The pregnancy was without complications.

The New York Times

"And she was without vanity.

The New York Times

The collision was without blame.

The New York Times - Sports

He was without redeeming qualities.

Independent

Service was without fault.

The New York Times

His school record was without blemish.

Independent

Citigroup said the lawsuit was without merit.

The New York Times

But he was without his usual bravado.

The New York Times - Magazine

The conversation that began was without precedent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was without", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "was without" when a more specific verb would be more accurate. For example, instead of "The project was without funding", consider "The project lacked funding" if the issue is a shortage, or "The project never received funding" if it never had any.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was without" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a description of what the subject lacks. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a state of deficiency or absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was without" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote the absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the phrase is commonly found in news articles, scientific papers, and general writing, maintaining a neutral register. To enhance clarity, ensure the context is clear, and consider if a more specific term like "lacked" might be more appropriate. Common errors involve vagueness and lack of precision, reinforcing the need for context and accuracy when using the phrase. Ludwig's examples highlight the diverse situations where "was without" can effectively communicate deficiency or absence, emphasizing its versatility in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had no

Directly indicates the absence of something.

did not have

A straightforward way of saying something was missing.

lacked

Expresses a deficiency or absence, similar to not having something.

did not possess

Similar to 'did not have' but slightly more formal, indicating a lack of ownership or attribute.

was devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence of something.

carried no

Implies the absence of something that might be expected or associated.

exhibited no

Shows that a particular characteristic or quality was not apparent.

presented without

Highlights the fact that something was not there when presented.

existed without

Shows the absence of something during its existence

functioned without

Indicates an action or process that occurred despite the absence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "was without" to indicate a lack or absence of something. For example: "The city "was without electricity" after the storm".

What's a more formal alternative to "was without"?

A more formal alternative is "lacked". For example, instead of "The report was without sufficient data", you could say, "The report "lacked sufficient data"".

Is it always appropriate to use "was without"?

While generally correct, "was without" can sometimes be less precise than other options. Consider whether a more specific verb like "lacked", "missed", or "never received" might be more suitable for your specific context.

What is the difference between "was without" and "did not have"?

"Was without" often implies a temporary or unexpected absence, while "did not have" is a more general statement of lacking something. The sentence "He "did not have" a car" simply states he didn't own one, whereas "He was without a car" suggests a temporary situation.