without a compelling reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a compelling reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or decision should not be taken unless there is a strong justification for it. Example: "The committee decided not to approve the proposal without a compelling reason to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Beyond this, late work will not be accepted without a compelling reason.

Cornell University

You may end up without a compelling reason to buy a new TV within months of spending that initial $2,179.

The New York Times

His lawyers cite a law that bars prisons from substantially burdening inmates' religious liberty without a compelling reason to do so.

The Economist

Should the Constitutional Court vote against Mr Roh without a compelling reason, however, the storm could intensify and sweep away something far more precious than an unpopular president.

The Economist

Advocates have hoped for a ruling that essentially holds that any law that treats people differently based on their sexual orientation (without a compelling reason) violates the equal-protection clause of the Constitution.

The New Yorker

It is there because Betfair is the best and also the cheapest place to be, and it is not going to evaporate and repool under Betdaq's purple flag without a compelling reason to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

(Californians can vote absentee without showing a compelling reason. Their ballots must arrive by Election Day to be counted).

The New York Times

"It's rooted in the Fourth Amendment, saying that the government can't come in and search your person or your property without having a compelling reason or a warrant for doing so".

Huffington Post

Without quality game design, without giving mobile gamers a compelling reason to ditch their Candy Crush Sagas and their Clash of Clans, Zynga will be just another publisher in a sea of rabid competition.

Forbes

Over half of such deaths occur in people without prior symptoms of heart disease — a compelling reason for adding more fish to your diet.

Harvard University

He said Roku intends to cut deals with TV makers to bundle Roku's Streaming Stick with their sets, which will be updated frequently and can be replaced entirely by a consumer if there's a compelling reason to do so, without having to junk a television set.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a compelling reason" to clearly indicate that an action or decision requires a strong and justifiable basis. Avoid using it in situations where a simple explanation is sufficient.

Common error

While "without a compelling reason" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it. Excessive repetition can make your writing sound stilted. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a compelling reason" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or restriction. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without a compelling reason" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a specific action requires strong justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. It functions as an adverbial phrase, setting a condition that something should not be done unless a significant and valid reason exists. Consider alternatives such as "without a valid justification" or "unless strictly necessary" for variety, and avoid overuse to maintain clear and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a valid justification

Emphasizes the lack of a legitimate or acceptable justification.

without a good cause

Highlights the absence of a sufficient or morally sound reason.

without sufficient grounds

Focuses on the lack of adequate basis or evidence for an action.

absent a persuasive rationale

Stresses the lack of a convincing or logical explanation.

unless there's a significant need

Highlights that an action should only be taken if there is a considerable demand or necessity.

unless strictly necessary

Indicates that something should only occur if it is absolutely essential or unavoidable.

in the absence of a strong motive

Emphasizes that an action is not advisable when there's no powerful driving force or incentive.

lacking a legitimate excuse

Highlights the absence of an acceptable explanation for a certain behavior or decision.

without any real need

Focuses on the absence of a genuine or practical requirement.

unless absolutely required

Signifies that something is only justified when it is completely indispensable.

FAQs

How can I use "without a compelling reason" in a sentence?

You can use "without a compelling reason" to indicate that something should not be done unless there is a very strong justification. For example: "The data should not be accessed "without a compelling reason"".

What is an alternative to "without a compelling reason"?

Alternatives include "without a valid justification", "without good cause", or "unless strictly necessary". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to provide a reason when using "without a compelling reason"?

While not grammatically required, it's often helpful to clarify what would constitute a "compelling reason" to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication.

Can "without a compelling reason" be used in formal and informal writing?

Yes, the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "absent a persuasive rationale" for a more sophisticated tone.