without a vote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without a vote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a decision or action is taken without the need for a formal voting process. Example: "The committee decided to proceed with the project without a vote, as all members were in agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is, without a vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

The motion was passed without a vote.

The Guardian

Instead, it opted"—by agreement, without a vote"—for censure.

The Economist

"The legal authority is clear without a vote".

The New York Times

Without a vote, they don't even see us".

The Guardian

In Britain, Theresa May became prime minister without a vote.

The Guardian

And without a vote, there is no power.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bill passed without a vote on his measure.

The Washington Post

Heather R. Mizeur (D-Montgomery) to die without a vote.

The Washington Post

Later, the amendment dies in the Senate, either quietly, without a vote, or noisily, with one.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, the investors are without a vote and unlikely to find solace in court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without a vote" when emphasizing that a decision or action occurred due to agreement or lack of opposition, rather than through a formal voting process.

Common error

Avoid using "without a vote" when a decision was simply made unilaterally or without consulting relevant parties. The phrase implies a level of implicit agreement or lack of dissent, not just absence of procedure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without a vote" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing the manner in which an action (often a decision) is carried out. It specifies that the action occurred without a formal voting process. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, illustrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without a vote" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe decisions made through agreement or lack of opposition, rather than a formal voting process. Ludwig's analysis shows it's frequently used in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples of its usage. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a process driven by consensus or absence of dissent, not merely a unilateral decision. Alternatives like "by unanimous consent" or "through consensus" may offer more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by unanimous consent

Indicates agreement without a formal vote, implying widespread support.

by acclamation

Suggests approval is so clear that a formal vote isn't necessary.

without polling

Directly substitutes "vote" with "polling", focusing on the absence of any kind of poll.

without a division

Specifically refers to the absence of a divided vote, often in legislative contexts.

by agreement

Highlights consensus as the basis for action, negating the need for a vote.

through consensus

Emphasizes agreement among all parties, rendering a vote unnecessary.

on a voice vote

Implies a less formal method of voting, where dissent is not explicitly recorded.

by general assent

Similar to "by unanimous consent", suggesting widespread agreement.

by common accord

Indicates a shared understanding and agreement, precluding a vote.

uncontested

Signifies that there was no opposition to the action or decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "without a vote" to describe situations where a decision is made by agreement, consensus, or lack of opposition. For example: "The committee approved the proposal "without a vote" because everyone supported it."

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

Alternatives to "without a vote" include phrases like "by unanimous consent", "by acclamation", or "through consensus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the decision-making process.

Is it correct to use "without a vote" in formal writing?

Yes, "without a vote" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing parliamentary or organizational procedures. It clearly communicates that a formal voting process was bypassed due to agreement or other circumstances.

What does it mean when something passes "without a vote"?

When something passes "without a vote", it means the measure was approved or accepted without a formal voting procedure. This usually happens because there is no opposition, everyone agrees, or a specific rule allows for it.