without a good reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a good reason" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has happened, or is expected to happen, without any rationale or foreseeable outcome. For example, "He left without a good reason and never came back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But in hunting, you don't move without a good reason.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This bill ensures that government can't track your daily movements without a good reason".

The New York Times

To leave home without a good reason feels like a betrayal, a wanton waste of time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, it did: the United States went to war without a good reason.

The New Yorker

My general view, as I've expressed before, is that you should not throw out data without a good reason.

The New York Times

Dad says that it's bad to kill something without a good reason but I knew the rabbit wouldn't mind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"We are afraid of the future, so we don't spend anything without having a good reason," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You can't get a warrant to put a surveillance device in a judge's chambers without having a good reason," the official said.

The New York Times

Remember not to give anything away without having a good reason to do so, and when you do give up something, make certain that you don't follow it with similar concessions.

Science Magazine

The price system lets individuals make trade-offs among goods, without having to articulate a "good reason" for their preferences.

The New York Times

Yet both feature a so-called double-trigger provision that ensures that awards and benefits are not accelerated without being fired without cause or resignation for a good reason.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without a good reason", ensure the context clearly indicates what would constitute a 'good' reason to avoid ambiguity. Define the acceptable parameters of the action under discussion.

Common error

Avoid embedding "without a good reason" in overly complex sentences. Break down the sentence for clarity, as excessive clauses can obscure the phrase's intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a good reason" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of a valid justification or cause for an action or state. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without a good reason" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to indicate the absence of justification or rationale for an action or decision. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English. It is versatile enough for neutral contexts, appearing frequently in news, media and wiki sources. When writing, ensure that the 'good reason' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "unjustifiably" or "without valid justification" can add formality. Be mindful of overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without valid justification

Replaces "reason" with "justification" and adds "valid" for emphasis.

for no good cause

Substitutes "reason" with "cause", implying a lack of valid motivation.

without sufficient grounds

Replaces "reason" with "grounds", suggesting a lack of adequate basis.

without due cause

Similar to "for no good cause", emphasizing the absence of legitimate motivation.

unjustifiably

Changes the phrase to a single adverb, focusing on the action being done without justification.

absent a compelling rationale

Uses more formal language, replacing "reason" with "rationale" and adding "compelling" for emphasis.

unwarrantedly

Expresses that the action is not deserved or justified.

without any basis

Indicates a complete lack of support or foundation for the action.

for no defensible purpose

Highlights the indefensibility of the action's purpose.

gratuitously

Implies that the action is unnecessary and excessive.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without a good reason" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives like "absent a compelling rationale" or "without valid justification" to convey a similar meaning in a more sophisticated manner.

What does "without a good reason" mean?

The phrase "without a good reason" signifies that an action, decision, or event occurs lacking sufficient or justifiable cause. It implies that there is no legitimate or sensible explanation for something happening.

Is it better to use "without a valid reason" or "without a good reason"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Without a valid reason" is slightly more formal, while "without a good reason" is more common in everyday conversation. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Can "without a good reason" be used in legal writing?

Yes, "without a good reason" can be used in legal writing, but it may be preferable to use more precise and formal alternatives such as "without sufficient grounds" or "absent a compelling rationale" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.