without good cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without good cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that an action or decision is being made without a valid or justifiable reason. Example: "The employee was terminated without good cause, leading to a potential lawsuit against the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 2010 Coalition Agreement adopted the less than watertight Lib Dem promise to end the storage of everyone's email and internet records "without good cause".

The Guardian

The intensity is not without good cause.

The Economist

Supermarket customers will not give indefinitely without good cause.

The Guardian

It is a cliche, but not without good cause: hip-hop struggles live.

The Guardian

Tiffany Lee, a Nami vet, said vets would not prescribe drugs without good cause.

The Guardian

But any able-bodied person who refuses a specific job without good cause is to be denied that aid.

The New York Times

But any able-bodied person who refuses a specific job without good cause is to be denied aid.

The New York Times

Yesterday came a new idea: compensation for terrorism suspects who turn out to have been locked up without good cause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lawmakers should pass a bill that would prohibit Trump from firing the special counsel without good cause.

The New York Times

If Def fails to waive service without good cause, the def has to pay the expenses of service along with any expenses relating to collecting those expenses.

Harvard University

The has failed, without good cause... to accept available suitable work when offered him by the employment office or the employer..

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In employment contexts, clearly define what constitutes "good cause" for termination in employee contracts to avoid wrongful termination claims.

Common error

Avoid using "without good cause" when the reason is simply a matter of personal preference or subjective opinion. "Good cause" implies an objective, justifiable reason, not just a feeling or whim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without good cause" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, specifying that it occurs without a valid or justifiable reason. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without good cause" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the absence of a valid justification for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. This phrase is frequently seen in news and media, academic texts, and formal business documents, reflecting its applicability in various professional contexts. Related phrases, such as "without valid reason" and "without justifiable reason", offer nuanced alternatives for expressing a similar meaning. When using "without good cause", ensure clarity by defining what constitutes "good cause" within the specific context to prevent ambiguity and potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without valid reason

Replaces "cause" with "reason", maintaining the core meaning but offering a slightly different emphasis on the rationale.

without due cause

Uses "due cause" to highlight the lack of appropriate or sufficient reason.

without justifiable reason

Emphasizes the lack of justification, suggesting the action is not defensible.

without legitimate basis

Focuses on the absence of a lawful or acceptable foundation for the action.

without any basis

Indicates the action lacks any foundation or support.

unjustifiably

Adverbial form indicating the action was done without a fair or right reason.

absent a valid justification

A more formal way of saying there's no valid excuse or reason.

for no good reason

Expresses the lack of a valid reason in a more direct and informal manner.

groundlessly

Expresses that the action is done without any grounds or factual basis.

unwarrantedly

Suggests that the action lacks the necessary authorization or justification.

FAQs

What does "without good cause" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "without good cause" means that there is no legitimate or legally recognized reason for taking a particular action, such as terminating an employee or denying a benefit. The definition of "good cause" often depends on the specific laws and regulations involved.

What are some alternative ways to say "without good cause"?

You can use alternatives like "without valid reason", "without justifiable reason", or "without legitimate basis depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "without good cause" different from "without any reason"?

"Without any reason" implies a complete lack of explanation or rationale. "Without good cause", on the other hand, suggests that there might be a reason, but it is not valid, justifiable, or legally sufficient. The former emphasizes the absence of any reason, while the latter emphasizes the absence of a valid reason.

In what situations is it important to define what constitutes "good cause"?

It's crucial to define "good cause" in contracts, employment agreements, and legal documents to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Clear definitions help ensure that all parties understand what reasons are considered acceptable or sufficient in a given situation.