without color

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without color" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks color, either literally or metaphorically, such as in art, design, or emotional expression. Example: "The painting was striking in its simplicity, rendered entirely without color, evoking a sense of nostalgia."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flesh without color.

The New York Times

His face was totally without color.

The New Yorker

His latest thing, though, is working without color.

The New Yorker

The sky was different, without color, taut and unforgiving.

The New Yorker

PostScript version of full paper without color plates.

Stanford University

Reality closes in, in the form of ugly, geometric buildings, without color.

The New York Times

The day was utterly without color or warmth, but she began to feel comfortable.

The New Yorker

Without color, reflective displays will be limited to niche markets, he says.

MIT Technology Review

"This is a movement of the Egyptian people, without color, without any ideology".

The New York Times - Magazine

The raised and textured schematic drawings of leaves, feathers and raindrops usher us into a world without color.

The New York Times - Books

The space-traveled silk proteins (Fig. 2a) yellowed (they were originally optically transparent without color), and space-traveled collagen proteins (Fig. 2b) became white (originally transparent without color) compared with the control (earth bound) samples.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art or design, consider using "without color" to emphasize simplicity or a specific aesthetic choice. For example, "The artist chose to render the landscape without color, focusing on texture and form."

Common error

Avoid using "without color" excessively in metaphorical contexts where simpler terms like "dull" or "lifeless" might be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without color" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the absence of color. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in describing something lacking color, both literally and figuratively. For instance, "reality closes in, in the form of ugly, geometric buildings, without color."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without color" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that signifies the absence of color. As Ludwig AI validates, it's suitable for both literal descriptions and metaphorical expressions. Its prevalence across diverse sources such as news, scientific publications, and academic writings, indicates its widespread acceptance and applicability. While generally neutral in tone, mindful use can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Alternatives like "colorless" or "monochrome" offer similar meanings with slight differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colorless

Direct synonym emphasizing the absence of color.

monochrome

Describes an image or design in shades of one color, typically black and white.

black and white

Specifically refers to the absence of color, using only black and white tones.

desaturated

Describes an image or visual where the colors have been reduced or removed.

grayscale

Refers to an image composed exclusively of shades of gray.

uncolored

A more literal way of stating the absence of color.

devoid of color

Emphasizes a complete lack of color.

lacking color

Simple and direct way to express the absence of color.

in shades of gray

Describes something using only gray tones.

neutral tones only

Indicates the use of only neutral colors like gray, white, and black.

FAQs

What does "without color" mean?

The phrase "without color" means lacking color or being colorless. It can refer to the literal absence of color in an image or object, or it can be used metaphorically to describe something lacking vibrancy or interest.

What are some synonyms for "without color"?

Some synonyms for "without color" include "colorless", "monochrome", "black and white", and "desaturated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "without color" to describe something that lacks color, such as "The photograph was taken without color to emphasize the contrast between light and shadow" or "The room felt empty and without color".

Is it better to say "colorless" or "without color"?

Both "colorless" and "without color" are correct, but "colorless" is generally more concise. "Without color" may be preferred when you want to emphasize the absence of color in a more descriptive way. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.