without convictions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without convictions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of lacking strong beliefs or principles, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "He approached the debate without convictions, making it difficult for him to argue his point effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Within weeks, they had been all released without convictions.

The New Yorker

Officially I can say I am without convictions.

The Guardian - Tech

Critics said his were the actions of a PR man without convictions.

The Guardian

To check what difference a speeding ticket can make to your insurance, get an online quote with and without convictions.

The Guardian - Money

He says: "It's worrying that somebody like me, without convictions, can find myself on a blacklist like this".

The Guardian

The government defends the prosecution as necessary to defend Turkey's democratization process, but human rights groups have criticized legal irregularities in the case, including long imprisonments without convictions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Steve, Nataliee said without conviction.

The New Yorker

"Sure," Macalister said without conviction.

The New Yorker

He painted, too, without conviction.

The New Yorker

He said this without conviction.

The New Yorker

The kiss was friendly and without conviction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "without convictions" to accurately describe the status of individuals who have not been found guilty of a crime. Ensure clarity by specifying the context, such as "released without convictions" or "living without convictions."

Common error

Avoid using "without convictions" when you mean someone lacks principles or strong beliefs. While the phrase can sometimes imply a lack of deeply held beliefs in a broader sense, its primary meaning relates to legal judgments. Use alternatives like "lacking strong beliefs" or "without firm principles" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without convictions" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of being free from legal judgments of guilt. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it modifying individuals or cases.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without convictions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, primarily in news and legal contexts, to describe the state of not having been found guilty of a crime. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is important to distinguish this legal meaning from the broader concept of lacking strong beliefs. When intending to convey the latter, alternative phrases such as "lacking beliefs" or "without firm principles" should be considered. The phrase's frequency is 'Common' based on the available examples, and it is most often encountered in reputable news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never been convicted

States directly the lack of past legal judgments.

having no previous convictions

Highlights the lack of a history of offenses.

found not guilty

Directly states the legal verdict of innocence.

without a guilty verdict

Focuses on the absence of a negative judgment in court.

acquitted of all charges

Emphasizes the legal outcome of being found not guilty.

released without charge

Focuses on the fact that no formal accusation was ever made.

free from culpability

Emphasizes the absence of responsibility for wrongdoing.

lacking a criminal record

Highlights the absence of past offenses.

exonerated of wrongdoing

Emphasizes the clearing of blame or responsibility.

unburdened by guilt

Shifts the focus to the feeling of innocence rather than the legal aspect.

FAQs

What does "without convictions" mean in a legal context?

In legal terms, "without convictions" means that a person has not been found guilty of a crime in a court of law. They may have been arrested or charged, but the case did not result in a guilty verdict.

Can "without convictions" refer to a lack of strong beliefs?

Yes, though it's less common. It can describe someone who lacks strong opinions or principles, but it's important to ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion with the legal meaning. Consider using alternatives like "lacking beliefs" or "without strong opinions" instead.

What are some alternatives to saying someone was "released without convictions"?

Alternatives include "acquitted of all charges", "found not guilty", or "released without charge", depending on the specific circumstances.

Is it correct to say someone is "without convictions" if they were arrested but never tried?

Yes, because a conviction requires a guilty verdict in court. If someone was arrested but never tried, or the charges were dropped, they remain "without convictions".