without pay

USAGE SUMMARY

"without pay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone works without being paid, for example: "She worked the night shift without pay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most work without pay.

The Economist

Without pay, teachers leave.

The Guardian

He remains suspended without pay.

The New York Times

He works without pay.

The New York Times

He has been suspended without pay.

The New York Times

He has suspended been without pay.

The New York Times

The Education Department suspended him without pay.

The New York Times

The workers have been suspended without pay.

The New York Times

I was demoted and suspended without pay.

The New York Times

They have been suspended without pay.

The New York Times

Officer Daniels has been suspended without pay.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without pay" when you want to clearly emphasize that no salary or wages are being provided for work or a suspension. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with situations where payment is expected.

Common error

Be precise about the meaning. "Without pay" generally describes the condition of service, while "unpaid leave" refers to an authorized absence from work where the employee does not receive their salary during that period. For clarity, distinguish between the terms to accurately depict the circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without pay" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing the conditions under which an action (such as working or being suspended) is performed or experienced. It specifies the absence of monetary compensation in those situations. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without pay" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used primarily as an adverbial modifier to indicate the absence of monetary compensation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic settings. While generally neutral in register, it's important to differentiate it from related terms like "unpaid leave" to ensure accuracy. For alternatives, consider phrases like "unpaid" or "pro bono" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Mastering its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpaid

Single word adjective describing something done or received without payment.

free of charge

Emphasizes that no payment is required for a service or item.

at no cost

Highlights the absence of any financial burden.

without remuneration

More formal synonym for "without pay", stressing the lack of compensation.

pro bono

Latin term referring to services provided for free, especially legal work.

on a voluntary basis

Specifies that participation is optional and unpaid.

as a volunteer

Highlights the role of someone offering services for free.

voluntarily

Adverb indicating an action performed willingly and without expectation of payment.

for nothing

Informal expression meaning without any compensation.

gratis

Latin term meaning free or without charge.

FAQs

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

You can use "without pay" to describe a situation where someone is working for free, like "He volunteered at the shelter "without pay"", or when someone is suspended from work, for instance, "She was suspended "without pay" pending investigation".

What's a formal alternative to "without pay"?

A more formal alternative to "without pay" is "without remuneration". This option is suitable for professional or academic contexts where precise language is preferred.

Is it correct to say "without pay" or should I use another phrase?

"Without pay" is a perfectly acceptable and common phrase. Whether you use it or another phrase depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Phrases like "unpaid" or "pro bono" may be appropriate in certain situations.

What is the difference between "without pay" and "unpaid leave"?

"Without pay" typically describes the ongoing condition of a job or service, meaning no payment is provided. "Unpaid leave", on the other hand, refers to a temporary authorized absence from work where the employee's salary is suspended for the duration of the leave.