without an umbrella

USAGE SUMMARY

'without an umbrella' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone is outdoors and not holding an umbrella. For example: I stepped outside and realized that I had forgotten my umbrella, so I walked to the store without an umbrella.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg marched without an umbrella.

The New York Times

That might reduce the chances of being caught without an umbrella after all.

The Economist

One day they got caught in the rain in Central Park without an umbrella.

The New York Times

Sometimes, these consequences are minimal — encountering rain after leaving home without an umbrella, for example.

The New York Times

It was raining and it was cold, and I was without an umbrella.

The New York Times

Mum ends up outside without an umbrella … soon she is writhing around and projectile vomiting, then dead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Win Without War, an umbrella group against the Iraq war, met Tuesday to decide whether to endorse the bill, but the divisions were too deep to bridge.

The Washington Post

This is a country that can have four seasons in an afternoon, where one should never leave home without both an umbrella and sunglasses.

The Guardian - Sport

The initiative has focused on five key interdisciplinary areas: urbanization, water, social enterprise, health and medicine, and "South Asia without Borders," an umbrella effort focused on the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Harvard University

The sit-in also included members of secular movements such as the unaffiliated Revolutionaries Without Direction, an umbrella group that aims to remove the military junta that has ruled Egypt during the transitional period.

The Guardian

We don't often get the chance to enjoy pub gardens without needing an umbrella or coat, so when the sun shines it's our duty to make the most of it.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "without an umbrella", ensure the context clearly indicates the presence of rain or a situation where an umbrella would be useful. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "without an umbrella" metaphorically in contexts unrelated to weather. While creative analogies can be effective, this specific phrase is strongly associated with rain and can cause confusion if used incongruously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without an umbrella" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a state of being unprotected from the rain. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, commonly describing situations where someone lacks an umbrella in rainy conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without an umbrella" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the state of being unprotected from rain. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across various contexts, especially in news and media. Related phrases include "unprotected from the rain" and "umbrellaless". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates a rainy or potentially rainy situation, and avoid using it metaphorically in unrelated contexts to prevent confusion. It’s important to remember that while the phrase is versatile, its strong association with weather should guide its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

umbrellaless

A concise, single-word adjective to describe being without an umbrella.

unprotected from the rain

This alternative directly indicates a lack of protection from the rain, similar to not having an umbrella.

sans umbrella

A more sophisticated and concise way to say "without an umbrella".

without rain protection

This is a more general term for not having any gear or shelter to stay dry in rainy weather.

lacking an umbrella

Specifies the missing item directly, focusing on what is absent.

caught in the rain unprepared

Highlights the element of surprise and lack of readiness for rain.

braving the rain without cover

This highlights the act of facing the rain directly, without any shelter.

out in the rain defenseless

Emphasizes vulnerability and the lack of protection from the rain.

unshielded from the downpour

Focuses on the intensity of the rain and the absence of anything to block it.

exposed to the elements

Broader, referring to overall exposure, but applicable in rainy conditions.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "without an umbrella"?

Being "without an umbrella" means not having an umbrella, typically when you are exposed to rain or expect to be.

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

You can use phrases like "unprotected from the rain", "without rain protection", or "umbrellaless" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "without an umbrella"?

Yes, "without an umbrella" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

Can "without an umbrella" be used metaphorically?

While primarily literal, "without an umbrella" can be used metaphorically to describe a lack of protection or defense in a challenging situation, but it's crucial to ensure the analogy is clear and relevant.