without identification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without identification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the absence of identification or a means of recognizing someone or something. Example: "The individual was allowed to enter the building without identification, raising security concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— so they could be summoned without identification.

The New York Times - Health

Even without identification, many spotted Andrés's mug on stage.

The Washington Post

No one could enter the small courtroom without identification.

The New York Times

She has a brown leather collar without identification.

The New York Times

One, known as "anonymous credentials", provides authentication without identification.

The Economist

Without much money and without identification papers, he apparently lived on the street for days.

The New York Times

Is it illegal to be on the streets of New York City without identification?

The New York Times

"Make certain he doesn't run around in East Harlem without identification," Mr. Rangel said.

The New York Times

One in three victims are cremated or buried without identification being possible.

The Guardian

An armed Vietnamese guard let me pass without identification through a gate.

The New Yorker

And I was taught to never, ever leave home without identification.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about security protocols or legal requirements, use "without identification" to clearly state the absence of required documents or credentials.

Common error

Avoid using "without identification" when you mean "misidentification". The former means there is no ID, while the latter indicates an incorrect or false ID was presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without identification" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig's examples illustrate how it specifies the absence of identifying documents or features in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without identification" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates the absence of identifying information. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is often found in news reports, scientific articles, and general discussions, serving to specify conditions where identification is lacking. While alternatives like "lacking identification" or ""unidentified"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its appropriate use helps avoid misinterpretations and ensures clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking identification

Uses "lacking" instead of "without", placing emphasis on the missing aspect.

unidentified

A single-word adjective form indicating a state of not being identified.

without credentials

Specifies that the missing identification is in the form of credentials or documents.

without ID

A shortened, more informal version using the abbreviation "ID".

without proof of identity

Emphasizes the absence of tangible evidence to confirm one's identity.

unrecognized

Indicates a state of not being recognized or acknowledged, which can imply a lack of identification.

with no means of identification

Expands on the idea to highlight the complete absence of any method for identifying someone.

anonymous

Suggests a deliberate concealment of identity.

identity unknown

States the unknown status of the identity.

incognito

Implies a disguise or deliberate attempt to conceal one's identity.

FAQs

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

You can use "without identification" to describe situations where someone lacks proper ID, such as "You cannot enter the building "without identification"" or "The body was found "unidentified"".

What's a more formal alternative to "without identification"?

A more formal alternative is "without proof of identity". It is commonly used in legal or official contexts.

Is it incorrect to say "lacking identification" instead of "without identification"?

No, "lacking identification" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both phrases convey the same meaning.

What is the difference between "anonymous" and "without identification"?

"Anonymous" implies a deliberate attempt to conceal one's identity, while "without identification" simply indicates the absence of identifying information, regardless of intent.