without a deal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a deal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that occurs in the absence of an agreement or arrangement. Example: "The negotiations continued for weeks, but ultimately, they walked away without a deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without a deal, those pathways remain open".

The New Yorker

But he left Wednesday without a deal.

The New York Times

Without a deal, rates would double permanently.

The New York Times

He left without a deal.

The New York Times - Sports

The discussions ended without a deal.

The New York Times

However, those talks ended without a deal.

The New York Times

Both sides cautioned that they could end without a deal.

The New York Times

Without a deal, there will be more fireworks to come.

The Economist

The talks have apparently ended without a deal.

The New York Times

You recorded most of the album without a deal.

The Guardian - Music

Britain could crash out on 29 March without a deal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without a deal", consider the specific context. It often implies a negative outcome or potential consequences due to the lack of agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "without a deal" when a simple lack of transaction is meant. The phrase often implies that an agreement was attempted but failed, carrying a sense of potential negative consequences, rather than a simple absence of a transaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a deal" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the absence of an agreement or successful negotiation. Ludwig shows many examples where it describes the outcome of discussions or negotiations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a deal" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the absence of an agreement, particularly after negotiations or discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with neutral register. Related phrases include "in the absence of an agreement" and "failing to reach an agreement". When using the term, ensure that the context implies an attempted agreement that failed, carrying potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the absence of an agreement

Formal alternative, highlighting the lack of a formal agreement.

failing to reach an agreement

Focuses on the action of not achieving an agreement.

unable to come to terms

Emphasizes the inability to find mutually acceptable conditions.

with no agreement in place

Highlights the current state of lacking an agreement.

lacking a consensus

Stresses the absence of a general agreement among parties.

short of an understanding

Indicates a deficiency in mutual comprehension or agreement.

devoid of a settlement

Highlights the lack of resolution or compromise.

negotiations failed

Focuses on the unsuccessful negotiation process.

talks collapsed

Emphasizes the breakdown of discussions.

at loggerheads

Suggests a state of irreconcilable disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "without a deal" to describe situations where an agreement was not reached, such as "The company left the negotiation "without a deal", facing potential losses."

What are some alternatives to "without a deal"?

Alternatives include "in the absence of an agreement", "failing to reach an agreement", or "with no agreement in place", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "without a deal" or "no deal"?

Both ""without a deal"" and "no deal" are acceptable, but "without a deal" is often used in more formal contexts, while "no deal" is more concise and commonly used in headlines or informal discussions.

What does it mean when someone says "we left without a deal"?

It means the negotiations or discussions concluded without reaching a mutual agreement or settlement. This often implies that the involved parties failed to find common ground or acceptable terms.