without an appointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without an appointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to situations where a meeting or visit is not scheduled in advance. Example: "You can see the doctor today, but only if you come in without an appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes, artists even show up at the company's office in the Jing An District in Shanghai without an appointment.

The New York Times

An additional 36 drivers showed up without an appointment and had their cars inspected.

The New York Times

See a board-certified E.R. doctor without an appointment".

The New York Times - Sports

Before Johnson's announcement, most centers provided tests without an appointment).

The New Yorker

Without an appointment, a D.M.V. employee said, the wait would have been hours.

The New York Times

You had to rely on him stopping by the museum, without an appointment.

The New York Times - Arts

"I know I shouldn't have turned up without an appointment," she apologized cheerfully.

The New Yorker

Now you can go into MAC cosmetics anywhere in the UK without an appointment.

Independent

In Liverpool, parents have been banned from speaking to teachers without an appointment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A vet can come in without an appointment and be seen that day.

The New York Times

And wine makers sell a lot of their production direct to the public, so mostly welcome visitors without an appointment.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a service that doesn't require appointments, consider using "walk-in" as a more concise alternative to "without an appointment".

Common error

Avoid using "without an appointment" in highly formal contexts where more professional language is needed. Alternatives like "without prior arrangement" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without an appointment" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the absence of a prior arrangement or scheduled meeting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable English form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without an appointment" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the absence of a scheduled meeting or prior arrangement. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to inform about the accessibility and flexibility of services or visits. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional settings. Consider "walk-in" for conciseness and be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without prior arrangement

Emphasizes the absence of any prior planning or arrangement.

on a walk-in basis

Specifically describes services or availability that doesn't require appointments.

as a walk-in

Similar to "on a walk-in basis" but used as an adjective.

without scheduling in advance

Highlights the lack of a pre-set schedule.

unannounced

Focuses on the lack of prior notification.

without prior notice

Stresses the absence of advance warning or notification.

without reservation

Indicates that no prior booking or reservation was made.

spontaneously

Emphasizes the unplanned and immediate nature of the action.

dropping in

Informal way to say visiting without previous notice.

without a booking

Similar to "without reservation", indicating no prior booking.

FAQs

What does "without an appointment" mean?

The phrase "without an appointment" means that someone can access a service, visit a place, or meet someone without scheduling it in advance. It suggests spontaneity or the acceptance of unscheduled visits.

What can I say instead of "without an appointment"?

You can use alternatives like "on a walk-in basis", "without prior arrangement", or "spontaneously" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "walk-in" or "without an appointment"?

Both are correct, but "walk-in" is often more concise and commonly used when referring to services or clinics that accept patients without scheduled appointments. "Without an appointment" is more general and can apply to various situations.

How do I use "without an appointment" in a sentence?

You can use "without an appointment" to describe situations where prior scheduling isn't necessary. For example, "You can visit the museum any day without an appointment" or "The clinic accepts patients without an appointment".