without a driver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a driver" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where something operates or functions independently of a driver or operator. Example: "The new delivery system can operate without a driver, making it more efficient and cost-effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is the league's highest-paid player -- with or without a driver's license -- making $500,000 a year.

The New York Times - Sports

When you saw a cab coming down the street without a driver, that was Uncle Joe.

The New York Times

It is illegal for cars to operate on UK roads without a driver in control.

The Guardian

Passengers cancel after 10 minutes of waiting without a driver accepting their request.

The New York Times - Tech

Some states are already debating how the legal landscape should change to account for vehicles without a driver.

The New York Times - Science

It was a stark reminder that, despite going 20 years without a driver fatality, F1 remains an inherently dangerous sport.

The Guardian - Sport

How can you be so sure that passengers would take to being in a car, alone, without a driver?

The Guardian - Opinion

A true Long Island nightmare, the county seems to be hurtling down the expressway without a driver.

The New York Times

It has been testing its vehicles on Frisco's roads since January sometimes without a driver behind the wheel.

MIT Technology Review

One appears to show a tractor hauling a planter making a tightly choreographed turn without a driver in the cab.

The Washington Post

Want to cross that rusty bridge without a driver at the wheel or any traffic lights to guide you?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing autonomous vehicles or technology, use "without a driver" to clearly indicate the absence of a human operator. However, consider using more concise alternatives like "driverless" when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "without a driver" when a simpler adjective like "driverless" or "unmanned" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "a car without a driver", opt for "a driverless car" to maintain conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a driver" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It indicates the manner in which something operates or exists, as seen in examples like "operate without a driver" and "move without a driver", supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a driver" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe the absence of a human operator, particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles and technology. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various domains. While "without a driver" is generally acceptable, more concise alternatives like "driverless" or "unmanned" might be preferable for brevity. Its frequency is high, primarily appearing in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its relevance in current technological discussions. According to Ludwig AI, "without a driver" accurately describes the operational state of systems functioning independently of human control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driverless

This single-word adjective directly conveys the absence of a driver, often used for vehicles or systems.

unmanned

Describes a vehicle or system operating without a human crew, implying remote control or automation.

autonomous

Highlights the self-governing nature of a system that can operate independently of human input.

self-driving

Specifically refers to vehicles capable of navigating and operating without human intervention.

operated remotely

Indicates that the device or system is controlled from a distance.

independently operated

Focuses on the system's ability to function on its own, without needing someone to operate it.

automated

Emphasizes the automatic functioning of a system, often pre-programmed or algorithm-driven.

under its own power

Suggests the vehicle or system proceeds with its own mechanism and decision-making.

without human control

Directly states that a human is not directing or guiding the operation.

by itself

Emphasizes the action or state is reached on its own, solo, with no external involvement.

FAQs

What does it mean for a vehicle to operate "without a driver"?

When a vehicle operates "without a driver", it means it is capable of navigating and performing its functions autonomously, without requiring a human operator behind the wheel. This is often achieved through advanced technologies like sensors, GPS, and artificial intelligence.

What are some alternatives to saying "without a driver"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "driverless", "unmanned", "autonomous", or "self-driving".

Is it always grammatically correct to use the phrase "without a driver"?

Yes, the phrase "without a driver" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. However, it's essential to choose the most appropriate and concise wording for your specific context.

How does using "without a driver" compare to using "self-driving" when describing cars?

"Without a driver" is a more general description that emphasizes the absence of a human operator. "Self-driving" is a more specific term that highlights the car's ability to navigate and control itself. Both are frequently used and generally interchangeable, although "self-driving" may be more common in technical contexts.