without a reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that happened without any explanation or justification. For example, "He left without a reason and we never heard from him again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nothing happened without a reason.

The New Yorker

You don't pick 46 without a reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We cannot arrest people without a reason.

The Guardian

"They wouldn't do it without a reason".

The New York Times

You're unapologetically great, without a reason.

The Guardian - Music

They wouldn't make it unclear without a reason, would they?

The New Yorker

But polls usually do not shift without a reason.

The New York Times

Books are not so widely read without a reason.

The New Yorker

It seemed awkward to be leaving early without a reason.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And no struggle inside of you has ever gotten rooted without a reason.

Huffington Post

"No one would be buried outside a temple without a reason.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a reason" to clearly indicate that an action or event occurred without any apparent or justifiable cause. This emphasizes the unexpected or arbitrary nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every event must have an obvious reason. Sometimes, things genuinely happen "without a reason", and it's important to accurately reflect this lack of causality in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a reason" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the absence of cause or justification for an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a reason" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates the absence of justification or cause for an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and informal writing. While alternatives like "for no reason" or "unjustifiably" exist, "without a reason" provides a clear and direct way to express the lack of rationale, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for no reason

Emphasizes the lack of any discernible cause or motive.

unprovokedly

Highlights that the action occurred without any prior instigation.

without justification

Highlights the absence of a valid excuse or rationale.

groundlessly

Stresses the lack of factual basis or foundation for the action.

baselessly

Indicates the action has no supporting evidence or proof.

unjustifiably

Focuses on the lack of fairness or rightfulness in the action.

unwarrantedly

Highlights that the action is not deserved or merited.

arbitrarily

Suggests the action is based on random choice or personal whim, without any system.

gratuitously

Suggests the action is unnecessary or excessive.

for naught

Implies the action is without purpose or benefit.

FAQs

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

You can use "without a reason" to describe an action or event that lacks explanation or justification. For example, "He left "without a reason", leaving everyone confused."

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

Alternatives include "for no reason", "unjustifiably", or "without justification". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "without a reason"?

Yes, "without a reason" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate the absence of a cause or explanation.

What's the difference between "without a reason" and "for no reason"?

"Without a reason" and "for no reason" are very similar. "Without a reason" might imply a slightly more formal tone, while "for no reason" is generally more conversational.