without a word

USAGE SUMMARY

'without a word' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which someone has said nothing, or has not written or spoken anything. For example: He left the room without a word, leaving her standing there, confused and heartbroken.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The New Yorker

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without a word said!

The New York Times

Months passed without a word.

The New York Times

The pickpocket ducked inside without a word.

The New Yorker

Without a word, he dashed underneath.

The New York Times

Then he wandered away without a word.

The New York Times

"He just left without a word".

The New Yorker

And all are delivered without a word.

The New York Times

The shopkeeper accepted it without a word.

The New Yorker

Without a word, the larger gangster followed.

The New Yorker

He dived into it without a word.

The New Yorker

Without a word, I accepted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "without a word" to emphasize emotional impact, such as conveying disappointment, anger, or understanding through silence. An example is: "She accepted the news without a word, her eyes betraying her sadness."

Common error

Avoid using "without a word" when the context requires acknowledgment or response. Silence can be interpreted negatively, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. For example, instead of remaining "without a word" after receiving constructive feedback, engage in a discussion.

Linguistic Context

Without a word" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. According to Ludwig, the examples indicate this phrase most often describes a manner of action, emphasizing the absence of verbal communication during the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

The New Yorker

25%

The New York Times

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without a word" is a versatile phrase used to describe the absence of speech, often conveying unspoken emotions or intentions. Ludwig highlights that its prevalence in news and literary contexts demonstrates its broad applicability and neutral register. The phrase functions adverbially, modifying actions and adding depth to narratives by emphasizing what is not said. While grammatically straightforward, its effectiveness lies in its ability to suggest deeper meanings beyond mere silence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without uttering a sound

Rephrases the original meaning with a stronger emphasis on the absence of any sound. Adds the element of "uttering".

silently

Focuses on the manner of action, emphasizing the absence of sound. Shifts from a prepositional phrase to an adverb.

wordlessly

Conveys the idea of doing something without speaking. Shifts from a prepositional phrase to an adverb.

speechlessly

Highlights the inability to speak, often due to surprise or shock. Shifts from a prepositional phrase to an adverb.

in silence

Focuses on the state of quiet, similar to the original phrase but less direct. Highlights the state of silence rather than the absence of speech.

tacitly

Implies agreement or understanding conveyed without explicit words. Shifts from a prepositional phrase to an adverb, also implying consent.

mutely

Emphasizes the lack of voice or sound, often due to choice or circumstance. Shifts from a prepositional phrase to an adverb.

without any comment

Highlights the lack of remarks or commentary on something. Specifically targets the absence of commentary.

not a peep

An informal way of saying nothing was said. Uses idiomatic expression to convey the meaning.

devoid of speech

Emphasizes the absence of speech, portraying a condition or state. Focuses on the lack of speech in a more descriptive way.

FAQs

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

Use "without a word" to describe actions or situations where someone doesn't speak, such as, "She left the room "silently"" or "He accepted the gift "speechlessly"".

What are some alternatives to "without a word"?

Alternatives include "silently", "speechlessly", or "in silence", each subtly altering the emphasis on the act of not speaking.

Is it better to say "without a word" or "without saying a word"?

"Without a word" is more concise and often preferred for its directness. "Without saying a word" adds emphasis on the act of speaking but can sometimes sound redundant.

What does it mean when someone does something "without a word"?

It typically means they performed an action "silently", often indicating a specific emotional state such as understanding, disagreement, or resignation. The context usually provides the emotional undertones.