without any word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without any word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the absence of spoken or written communication. Example: "He left the room without any word, leaving everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Months elapsed without any word from him.

The New Yorker

Then last November, without any word to neighbors, construction stopped.

The New York Times

More than 100 cases remain unresolved, including Geovany's, without any word of a concrete timeline.

The New York Times

When another month passed without any word from either regulators or Sinochem, the embassy tried again.

The New York Times - Health

After the second June had passed without any word, Juliet decided to move.

The New Yorker

In 2008, Howard Jacobson declared his aspiration to write a novel without any word containing the letter "j".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

without any words".

The New Yorker

Single-panel cartoons without any words are the hardest to come up with.

The New Yorker

You get to see the image without any words that says, "Science Fiction Issue".

The New York Times

Without any words, I felt that the passes they threw me were their way of telling me that you are not alone, we are with you.

The New York Times - Sports

With long stretches of "I Am Legend" eerily silent, Mr. Lawrence said, he pressed his colleagues to work through their scenes without any words at all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without any word" to clearly indicate a lack of communication when someone might expect it. This phrase is effective in conveying suspense or concern.

Common error

While "without any word" and "without a word" are similar, using "without any word" can sometimes sound slightly more formal or emphasize a complete absence of communication rather than just silence. Consider the context to choose the more fitting phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without any word" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the absence of communication. As Ludwig shows, it's often used to express a lack of news or response after a period of expectation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without any word" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of communication or information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appears across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing. While similar to "without a word", it can subtly emphasize a complete absence of communication. Remember to consider the specific context to determine whether "without any word" or its alternatives best suit your writing. It is a powerful tool to convey suspense, concern, or uncertainty when communication is expected but absent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a word

Slightly more concise and common, implying complete silence or lack of communication.

silently

Focuses on the manner of action, emphasizing the absence of speech.

without any communication

More formal and explicitly states the lack of communication.

no word

Short and direct, indicating a lack of news or message.

without notification

Implies the absence of prior notice or announcement.

unspoken

Suggests that something was communicated non-verbally.

wordlessly

Similar to silently, highlighting the absence of spoken words.

without any message

Explicitly states that there was no message sent.

in silence

Emphasizes the quietness and lack of verbal exchange.

without a peep

An informal expression meaning without making any sound.

FAQs

What does "without any word" mean?

The phrase "without any word" means there has been no communication, message, or information received from someone or about something. It indicates a state of silence or lack of news.

When is it appropriate to use "without any word"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where someone expected to receive communication but didn't, creating suspense, worry, or uncertainty. For example, "Days passed "without a word" from the missing hiker".

Are there alternatives to "without any word"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "without a word", "silently", or "without any communication" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "without any word" grammatically correct?

Yes, "without any word" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. However, "without a word" is often more common and may sound more natural in many contexts.