without documentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without documentation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation or action that lacks supporting documents or evidence. Example: "The project was completed without documentation, making it difficult to verify the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because no true emotion exists without documentation.

The Guardian - Tech

"I can't get another job at another university without documentation".

The New York Times

Without documentation, they would be lost, forgotten for ever.

The Guardian - Arts

We could go anywhere we wanted to without documentation.

The New York Times

Mass immigration without documentation, speedy and unenforceable, very clever.

University of California, Berkeley

He reached Boston without documentation and applied for asylum but was denied.

The New Yorker

After 15 years in the city without documentation, he was deported.

The New York Times

The US will now mandatorily detain any migrant that is caught crossing the border without documentation.

The Guardian

Players told The Post that they swallowed prescriptions on an almost daily basis, frequently without documentation.

The Washington Post

Many of them came to this country as children, without documentation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sadly, when an object is taken from its original site without documentation, context is lost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without documentation", ensure the context is clear. Specify what kind of documentation is missing and why it matters to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The claim was dismissed without documentation to support the alleged damages."

Common error

Avoid using "without documentation" in unnecessarily passive constructions. Instead of saying, "The report was submitted without documentation", try "They submitted the report without documentation" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without documentation" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the absence of supporting evidence or formal records, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "He reached Boston without documentation" and "Players told The Post that they swallowed prescriptions on an almost daily basis, frequently without documentation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without documentation" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies the absence of supporting evidence or formal records. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "without documentation" is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to clarity and avoidance of passive constructions. Related phrases include "lacking evidence" and "undocumented", each with subtle differences in emphasis. This phrase plays a crucial role in highlighting deficiencies and emphasizing accountability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undocumented

Direct synonym emphasizing the absence of formal records.

in the absence of documentation

A more formal and verbose alternative.

without records

Emphasizes the absence of official or maintained records.

lacking evidence

Focuses on the absence of proof or supporting data.

without proof

Stresses the absence of concrete verification.

not on record

Indicates that information is not officially registered or noted.

unsupported

Indicates a lack of corroboration or backing.

unverified

Highlights that something has not been confirmed or authenticated.

unsubstantiated

Highlights the lack of factual basis or validation.

lacking substantiation

More formal way to express a lack of proof or factual basis.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without documentation"?

You can use alternatives such as "lacking evidence", "unsubstantiated", or "undocumented" depending on the context.

What does it mean to do something "without documentation"?

To do something "without documentation" means performing an action or making a claim without providing supporting evidence or formal records to verify or justify it.

Is it better to say "undocumented" or "without documentation"?

Both phrases are correct, but "undocumented" is often used specifically to describe people who are residing in a country without legal authorization. "Without documentation" is a more general term that can apply to various contexts.

When is providing documentation essential?

Providing documentation is essential when you need to verify information, support claims, comply with regulations, or maintain accurate records. Situations like financial reporting, legal proceedings, and academic research typically require thorough documentation.