without charge

USAGE SUMMARY

"without charge" is a perfectly correct phrase that is sometimes used in written English.
For example, you could say "This hotel offers free parking without charge".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both were released without charge.

Independent

All are offered without charge.

The Economist

All released without charge.

The Guardian

Mr Sethi is held without charge.

The Economist

Its contents are available without charge.

The New York Times

They were released without charge on Friday.

Independent

He was later released without charge.

BBC

He was released on bail without charge.

Independent

Chrysler will replace the switches without charge.

The New York Times

The driver took him home without charge.

The New Yorker

I'm being released without charge".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without charge", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being provided without cost. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While both phrases are similar, "free of charge" is often preferred in marketing contexts. "Without charge" can sometimes sound more formal or legalistic. Consider your audience and the overall tone when choosing between the two.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without charge" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates the manner in which something is done or provided, specifically that no payment is required. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes services offered at no cost.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without charge" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that indicates something is provided at no cost. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is indeed a valid and frequently used phrase in written English. It’s most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts and can be considered neutral in tone. While options such as "free of charge" or "at no cost" offer similar meanings, "without charge" serves as a clear and direct way to communicate the absence of fees or payments, with over 50 real-world examples demonstrating its widespread use. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being offered without any associated costs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free of charge

This alternative is very similar, emphasizing that there is no cost involved.

at no cost

This alternative highlights the lack of financial expenditure.

at no fee

This is very similar, emphasizing that there is no fee involved.

free

A shorter and more direct way of saying "without charge".

complimentary

Typically used when something is offered as a courtesy or gift.

at no expense

Highlights that no expenses are incurred.

gratis

This is a more formal, less common synonym for free.

for nothing

This alternative is more informal and can imply a lack of value.

on the house

This is an idiomatic expression, typically used in restaurants or bars.

as a gift

Suggests something is given freely as a present.

FAQs

What does "without charge" mean?

The phrase "without charge" means that something is provided at no cost or fee. It indicates that there is no monetary payment required to receive the good or service.

When should I use "without charge"?

Use "without charge" when you want to clearly state that something is free and there are no associated costs. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using alternatives like "free of charge" in marketing materials.

What are some alternatives to "without charge"?

Some alternatives to "without charge" include "free of charge", "at no cost", "gratis", and "complimentary". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it correct to say "without a charge" instead of "without charge"?

While grammatically understandable, "without a charge" is less common and can sound awkward. "Without charge" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing to indicate the absence of a fee.