without an address

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without an address" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where a location or specific address is not provided or available. Example: "The package was sent back because it was returned to sender without an address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It's like looking for a house without an address".

The New York Times

Matthew has got his act together and found the probation officer who needed to see him, even without an address.

The Guardian

They come in without an address and are sent to a processing center in Alaska, where volunteers answer them.

The New York Times

"If you are somewhere without an address, you have not got a viable alternative, and none of these people have ever started using GPS coordinates," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Without an address, the men couldn't take the woman home, and Shelton considered her to be too intoxicated for a twenty-four-hour lockup.

The New Yorker

A civilised society would have a functioning safety net to ensure no child ends up homeless and dying before their first birthday without an address.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

When Sheemie was about 7 months old, Kisha took him and moved without leaving an address.

The New York Times - Magazine

Two callbacks had to be without success before an address was considered a failure.

BMC Psychiatry

You can perform this action without searching for an address.

WikiHow

Police say criminals want access to the guns without keeping them at an address that could be linked to them.

The Guardian

And they can't get an address without a job.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like homelessness, consider using "without an address" as a neutral way to describe someone's housing situation, avoiding potentially stigmatizing language.

Common error

While often associated with homelessness, remember that someone might be "without an address" due to temporary travel, digital nomadism, or intentionally keeping their location private. Be mindful of the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without an address" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the absence of a physical location. Ludwig AI confirms that it denotes a lack of a specific, identifiable place of residence or business.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without an address" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that describes the state of lacking a fixed physical location. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and general discussions. While it often relates to homelessness, it's important to recognize that it can also apply to situations where someone intentionally lacks a permanent address or their location is simply unknown. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for sensitive discussions. Understanding its nuances helps in crafting accurate and respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address unavailable

Directly states that an address cannot be provided or is not known.

without a fixed abode

A more formal way of saying "without an address", often used in legal or official contexts.

without a mailing address

Specifically refers to the inability to receive mail due to the lack of a fixed location.

without a known location

Emphasizes that there is no recognized or established place of residence or business.

lacking a residence

Focuses on the absence of a permanent home, emphasizing the residential aspect.

having no permanent home

Highlights the impermanence of living arrangements.

unhoused

Emphasizes the state of being without housing, a more direct and empathetic term for homelessness.

transient living

Describes a temporary or short-term way of living, often without a stable address.

nomadic existence

Implies a lifestyle of moving from place to place, lacking a settled home.

location unknown

Indicates that the whereabouts of someone or something are not known, often implying a lack of a specific address.

FAQs

How can I use "without an address" in a sentence?

You can use "without an address" to describe a person or entity that doesn't have a fixed physical location. For example: "The letter was returned to sender "without an address"."

What are some alternative ways to say "without an address"?

Alternatives include "lacking a residence", "unhoused", or "without a fixed abode", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always negative to be "without an address"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies homelessness or instability, someone might be "without an address" by choice, such as digital nomads or those prioritizing privacy.

What problems might someone face if they are "without an address"?

Being "without an address" can create difficulties in accessing essential services like healthcare, banking, and employment, as many systems require a verifiable residential address.