without cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without cause" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which something happened or was done without a reason or justification. Example: The company terminated the employee without cause, resulting in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(REUTERS TOYS R US Usaidid the president of its United States stores division, John Barbour, was terminated "without cause".

The New York Times

And not without cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her caution, surely, is not without cause.

The New Yorker

The cannibals devoured Trent Lott without cause.

The New York Times

Nobody, not even a king, could imprison someone without cause.

The New Yorker

He's just insulted a 66-year-old widow without cause.

The Guardian

Air pollution is becoming big business – and not without cause.

The Guardian

Without cause and effect, there's no foundation for morality.

The New York Times

They can even oust the entire board without cause.

The Economist

"You cannot go through life without cause and effect," he says ruefully.

The Guardian - Film

It cites the Alaska Constitution, which says "the governor may discharge department heads without cause".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without cause" to clearly indicate that there is no apparent or justifiable reason for an action or event, especially in legal or formal contexts. For example, "The employee was terminated "without cause", which led to a legal dispute."

Common error

Avoid using "without cause" loosely in situations where there might be an underlying, albeit unstated, reason. Using it inaccurately can lead to misunderstandings or legal challenges, particularly in employment contracts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without cause" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of a reason or justification for an action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. It is commonly used in contexts where actions are expected to have a rationale.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without cause" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the absence of a valid or apparent reason for an action. Ludwig AI confirms this. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it often appears in formal contexts such as legal and business discussions. Alternatives include "without justification" and "for no reason". When using "without cause", ensure it accurately reflects the lack of a legitimate reason to avoid misinterpretations, particularly in legal or contractual settings. Ludwig's examples showcase diverse applications, reinforcing its importance in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without justification

Emphasizes the absence of a legitimate reason or excuse.

for no reason

A simple and direct way of saying there was no discernible reason for something.

unjustifiably

Focuses on the lack of justification for an action, implying unfairness.

unwarrantedly

Suggests that something is not justified or called for, implying it was unnecessary.

unprovoked

Highlights that an action occurred without any instigation or provocation.

groundlessly

Indicates a lack of factual basis or evidence.

baselessly

Similar to groundlessly, emphasizing the absence of any foundation or support.

arbitrarily

Suggests a decision or action based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

undeservedly

Highlights that something was not earned or merited.

gratuitously

Implies that something is done excessively or unnecessarily, often in a negative way.

FAQs

How can I use "without cause" in a sentence?

You can use "without cause" to indicate that an action or event occurred without a valid or apparent reason. For example, "The contract allows the company to terminate the agreement "without cause"."

What are some alternatives to "without cause"?

Alternatives to "without cause" include "without justification", "for no reason", or "unjustifiably", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "without cause" and "without reason"?

"Without cause" often implies a formal or legal context, suggesting no valid legal reason was provided, while "without reason" is a more general term indicating no discernible reason at all. The phrase "without reason" is less formal than "without cause".

Is it correct to say "dismissed without cause"?

Yes, "dismissed without cause" is a correct and common phrase, particularly in employment law, to indicate that an employee was terminated without a specific, justifiable reason. It often triggers specific legal consequences.