without expecting anything in return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without expecting anything in return" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action or behavior that is done without the expectation of receiving something in return. Example: Sarah volunteered at the soup kitchen every week without expecting anything in return.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a man who always gave of himself without expecting anything in return.

The New York Times

If love is defined by that which gives without expecting anything in return, then I guess we love our cricketers.

The New York Times

I think we forget how giving people can be and how a kind stranger can look after you without expecting anything in return.

The Guardian - Travel

Because this advice has been such a great help to me, I believe in helping others in the same way, without expecting anything in return.

The New York Times

Hendrik Hartog's Jan . 15Sunday Review article, "Bargaining for a Child's Love," is a welcome corrective to the view that in earlier times families took care of their ill and aging members without expecting anything in return and without complaint.

The New York Times

From an absent dad with his own history with heroin, this was a bold claim — one Lamar refuted, saying the Kardashians were "the ONLY FAMILY that has loved [him] without expecting anything in return".

Independent

"Are we supposed to imagine that if China comes to the aid of the euro zone, it will do so without expecting anything in return?" he asked Thursday in a statement.

The New York Times

As a young man I had, after reading Flaubert's letters and the life stories of those writers I most admired, embraced the ethic of literary modernism that no serious writer can escape: to dedicate myself to art without expecting anything in return, to shun fame, success, and cheaply won popularity, to love literature for its own beauty.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone gives money to their poor without expecting anything in return.

Comparative Migration Studies

Note, it could also imply that people help others without expecting anything in return.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Start making authentic connections with people without expecting anything in return.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without expecting anything in return" to emphasize the selfless nature of an action, particularly when highlighting generosity or unconditional love. This adds emotional depth and clarifies the actor's intentions.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "without expecting anything in return" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "selflessly" or "unconditionally" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without expecting anything in return" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase adds information about the actor's motivation, emphasizing the lack of self-interest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

HuffPost

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without expecting anything in return" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to underscore the selfless nature of an action. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it serves as an adverbial phrase. Its communicative purpose is to emphasize altruism and the absence of ulterior motives. While the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "selflessly" or "unconditionally" to enhance your writing. Common in News & Media, this phrase enriches descriptions by highlighting genuine generosity. Remember, effective communication involves not just correctness but also nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of pure generosity

Emphasizes the motivation behind the act as pure kindness.

altruistically

Describes acting out of concern for others, not for personal gain.

selflessly

Conveys a similar meaning by describing an action done without regard for oneself.

without thought of reward

Highlights the lack of expectation for any form of compensation.

unconditionally

Emphasizes the absence of conditions or limitations in giving or acting.

gratis

Implies something is given freely, often used in more formal contexts.

disinterestedly

Implies a lack of self-interest in performing an action.

for nothing

Indicates that no payment or reward is expected.

without remuneration

A more formal way of saying without payment or compensation.

as a freebie

Suggests something given freely and casually.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without expecting anything in return" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "without remuneration" or acting "altruistically". These options convey a similar meaning but with a more elevated vocabulary.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "without expecting anything in return"?

No, sometimes the context implies the selfless nature of an action. However, explicitly stating "without expecting anything in return" can add emphasis and clarity, especially when you want to highlight the purity of the motive.

What is the difference between doing something "without expecting anything in return" and doing it ""selflessly""?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Without expecting anything in return" emphasizes the lack of expectation, while "selflessly" focuses on the actor's disregard for personal gain. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

When is it appropriate to use "without expecting anything in return" in business writing?

It's appropriate when describing acts of corporate social responsibility, philanthropic endeavors, or when highlighting employees who go above and beyond their duties out of genuine care, rather than for promotion or reward.