without a scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a scratch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has not suffered any physical damage or injury. Here is an example: "After the car accident, she emerged without a scratch, much to the relief of her family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They emerged without a scratch.

The New York Times

Absolutely safe and sound, without a scratch".

The Guardian

Deflakes without a scratch, leaves skin glowing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I walked away without a scratch.

The New York Times - Magazine

It survived abuse testing without a scratch.

The Washington Post

She came down safely, without a scratch.

The New York Times

But he came through it all without a scratch.

The New York Times

Boys without a scratch on them wandered in a daze.

The New Yorker

Michael was killed instantly, Terry left without a scratch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We made our escape without a scratch and stayed the night in Chickasha, OK.

Columbia University

Shakir Thiab and his Al Bayltha candy factory survived the American military invasion without a scratch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with dynamic verbs like "emerge", "escape" or "walk away" to emphasize the action of surviving.

Common error

While primarily used for physical injury or material damage, using "without a scratch" to describe surviving emotional trauma can sometimes come across as dismissive or overly literal. In those cases, consider using "unaffected" or "emotionally unscathed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a scratch" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase. It typically modifies verbs associated with survival or outcome, such as "emerged", "escaped", "landed" or "walked away". As noted by Ludwig AI, it is structurally standard and serves to emphasize the total absence of injury or damage following a potentially harmful event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a scratch" is a robust and highly versatile idiom in English, used extensively to describe miraculous survival and the total absence of physical harm. According to Ludwig AI and the analyzed data, it appears frequently in news reporting from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It serves as a powerful descriptive tool that contrasts a dangerous environment with an individual's perfect safety. While it is widely used and grammatically standard, writers should ensure they choose between this idiomatic expression and more formal alternatives like "unscathed" based on the desired tone of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unscathed

A more formal, single-word synonym suitable for serious reporting or literature.

without a mark on them

A very close semantic relative that maintains the visual focus on the body.

unharmed

A literal and direct adjective that removes the idiomatic imagery of a scratch.

uninjured

A clinical or medical term specifically referring to physical health.

in one piece

An informal idiom that emphasizes survival and wholeness after a dangerous event.

without injury

A straightforward prepositional phrase used in legal or official reporting.

safe and sound

Focuses more on the overall wellbeing and safe arrival rather than just physical marks.

completely intact

Better suited for describing physical objects, buildings or vehicles rather than people.

unblemished

Suggests a state of perfection or lack of flaws; often used for surfaces or reputations.

scot-free

Often used to describe escaping punishment, though sometimes used for harm; use with caution.

FAQs

How do I use "without a scratch" in a sentence?

You can use it as an adverbial phrase following an action: "The pilot landed the plane "without a scratch" despite the engine failure."

What is the difference between "without a scratch" and "unscathed"?

While both mean staying safe, "unscathed" is more formal and academic, whereas "without a scratch" is more idiomatic and visual.

Can I use "without a scratch" for objects?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say a phone or a car survived a fall "without a scratch" to indicate no physical damage occurred.

What can I say instead of "without a scratch" to sound more professional?

In professional or formal writing, you might prefer terms like "unharmed", "uninjured" or "without damage".