without attribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without attribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one is referring to using information, ideas, or content without giving credit to the original source. Example: "You can use the images from the website without attribution, as they are in the public domain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Suggestions of mine are recycled (without attribution) in concert notes.

The Guardian - Books

They can also be used without attribution," he added.

The New York Times

We should try to avoid the term, without attribution.

The Guardian - Opinion

The narrative is also told fully in dialogue without attribution.

The New York Times - Books

Do you ever cut and paste without attribution?

The New York Times

He declares, without attribution, that the "numbers don't lie".

The New York Times

All this reminded me that tweeting this line without attribution would be a kind of theft.

The New Yorker

When professional writers borrow words without attribution, they're frequently censured, sometimes fiercely.

The New York Times

It's not unusual to see news stories describe him as "erratic" without attribution to an opponent.

The New York Times

The whole article, including verbatim quotes, was "borrowed" from a Swedish-based website without attribution.

The Guardian

Justice Arthur J. Goldberg borrowed it not only without attribution but for a quite different purpose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic contexts, clearly indicate when information comes from confidential sources, even if you cannot provide full attribution.

Common error

Understand that while fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like criticism or commentary, it doesn't negate the need for attribution. Always credit the original source, even when relying on fair use principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without attribution" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner in which something is done or presented. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and used in various contexts to describe the absence of source acknowledgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without attribution" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that information or ideas have been presented without giving credit to the original source. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news, media, and academic contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and serves to highlight the absence of proper acknowledgment. While seemingly straightforward, it underscores the importance of academic integrity and ethical reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncredited

This term is a concise adjective meaning not given credit.

lacking attribution

Similar to "without attribution" but uses a participial phrase.

not attributed

A more passive construction emphasizing the missing attribution.

without citation

Focuses specifically on the lack of formal referencing.

without acknowledgement

Highlights the lack of recognition or thanks given to the source.

no source given

A straightforward statement of the absence of a cited origin.

non-attributed

A less common but technically correct alternative.

source unspecified

Highlights the lack of clarity regarding the origin.

anonymously sourced

Implies the source is deliberately kept secret.

origin unknown

Indicates the starting point or derivation is not identified.

FAQs

How is "without attribution" typically used in a sentence?

It's used to describe instances where information or ideas are presented without giving credit to the original source. For example, "The report presented the findings "without attribution"."

What are some alternatives to saying "without attribution"?

You can use alternatives like "uncredited", "without citation", or "without acknowledgement" depending on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use someone else's work "without attribution" in academic writing?

No, using someone else's work "without attribution" is considered plagiarism and is a serious academic offense.

In what situations might information be presented "without attribution"?

Information might be presented "without attribution" when protecting a confidential source, summarizing generally accepted knowledge, or when the original source is unknown.