without malice

USAGE SUMMARY

"without malice" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a lack of ill will or intent, either in people's speech or actions. For example, "He apologized without malice for his error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wicketkeeper Bairstow was then accused of 'headbutting' Bancroft, although both described that incident as "without malice", prior to Duckett's transgression.

BBC

Still, it seemed without malice.

The New York Times

He was, extraordinarily in politics, without malice.

The Economist

Culpable killings without malice were defined to be manslaughter.

Cornell University

"Are you different, too?" Leonie asked without malice.

The Guardian - Books

The Talibs there looked upon him without malice.

The New York Times - Magazine

She tells me, without malice: "You won't make it".

The Guardian

It also allows editorial opinions and the like, providing they are published without malice.

The Guardian

Hastreiter laughed, without malice — in her mind, she is the outsider.

The New Yorker

Without malice, by just telling the truth, Little Andy has helped indict Big Rog.

The New York Times - Sports

In many cases, they appear to be doing so professionally, without malice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In narrative writing, use "without malice" to portray characters as acting in good faith, even if their actions have unintended negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "without malice" to imply that no error occurred. It specifically addresses the intent behind an action, not the presence or absence of mistakes. An action can be "without malice" but still result in unintended harm or error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without malice" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI points out, it denotes the absence of ill will or harmful intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without malice" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the absence of ill will or harmful intent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, it often serves to clarify motivations, especially in legal or formal settings. When writing, it's essential to ensure that "without malice" accurately reflects the intent behind an action and not simply the absence of error. Consider related phrases like "without ill will" or "in good faith" to fine-tune the nuance. Remember, using "without malice" emphasizes the lack of wrongful intent, a crucial element in effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without ill will

This alternative emphasizes the absence of negative feelings or intentions.

without malevolence

This alternative suggests a lack of desire to cause harm or suffering.

without spite

This alternative highlights the absence of petty bitterness or resentment.

without animosity

This alternative focuses on the absence of strong dislike or hostility.

in good faith

This alternative implies honesty and sincerity in one's actions or intentions.

with no bad intentions

This alternative directly states the absence of harmful purposes.

unintentionally

This alternative indicates that an action was not planned or meant to cause harm.

without intending harm

This alternative specifies the lack of intent to cause any damage or injury.

naively

This alternative suggests acting without awareness of potential negative consequences.

unwittingly

This alternative implies acting without conscious knowledge or awareness.

FAQs

How is "without malice" used in legal contexts?

In law, "without malice" typically refers to actions taken without the intent to cause harm or injury. It is often a key factor in determining the severity of a crime or tort, particularly in cases of manslaughter or defamation. It suggests the act was unintentional or negligent, rather than deliberately harmful.

What does it mean to act "without malice"?

To act "without malice" means to perform an action without the intention of causing harm, injury, or distress to another person. It implies good faith and the absence of ill will or spite. The phrase is often used to describe motivations or intentions behind actions.

What are some synonyms for "without malice"?

Synonyms for "without malice" include "without ill will", "without malevolence", "in good faith", and "unintentionally". These phrases all suggest an absence of harmful intent.

How does "without malice" differ from "without negligence"?

"Without malice" refers to the absence of intent to cause harm, while "without negligence" implies the absence of carelessness or a failure to exercise reasonable care. An action can be "without malice" if it was not intended to cause harm, but still be negligent if reasonable precautions were not taken. They address different aspects of responsibility and intent.