without prejudice

USAGE SUMMARY

"without prejudice" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in legal language, and suggests that a statement is being made without prejudice to any legal rights that might exist. For example, "I apologize for my comments, without prejudice to my right to appeal the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Without prejudice we're nothing!

The Guardian

I did this without prejudice.

The New York Times - Books

Millennium Inorganic was thereby dismissed without prejudice.

Harvard University

That case was dismissed without prejudice.

The New York Times

Why not look at it without prejudice?

The Guardian

The judge is dismissing it without prejudice to a renewal.

The New Yorker

"The case is dismissed without prejudice," Judge Masley said.

The New York Times

Most individuals can go about their lives without prejudice.

Independent

People were willing to accommodate your eccentricities without prejudice".

The New Yorker

He pursued all this with passion but without prejudice.

Independent

Deferred applications are reconsidered without prejudice in March.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without prejudice" primarily in formal and legal contexts to ensure clarity and avoid unintended waivers of rights.

Common error

Avoid using "without prejudice" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it may sound pretentious or confusing to those unfamiliar with its legal implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without prejudice" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a statement or action. It indicates that the statement or action is made without any intention to affect or waive existing legal rights or claims. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without prejudice" is a commonly used phrase, primarily in formal legal and business contexts, to indicate that statements or actions are made without affecting existing rights. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources. When writing, it is important to use it only in appropriate contexts to avoid sounding overly formal or confusing. Alternatives such as "reserving all rights" or "without bias" can be used in different scenarios to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserving all rights

Specifically denotes the intent to maintain all legal entitlements.

not waiving any rights

Indicates a decision is made that does not relinquish any legal claims.

without bias

Focuses on the absence of preconceived notions or favoritism.

without affecting

Highlights that an action does not change or influence something else.

without any detriment

Highlights the lack of harm or disadvantage resulting from an action.

without compromising

Stresses that no concessions or weakening of position are occurring.

with no infringement

Emphasizes that no rights or agreements are being violated.

on a neutral basis

Indicates decisions or analyses are made without leaning to one side.

impartially

Focuses on fairness and lack of bias in judgement or treatment.

fairly

Suggests that actions and statements are equitable and just.

FAQs

How is "without prejudice" typically used in legal settings?

In legal contexts, "without prejudice" indicates that communications or actions are made without affecting the parties' legal rights or positions. It's often used in settlement negotiations to prevent statements from being used as admissions in court.

What's the difference between saying "without prejudice" and "reserving all rights"?

"Without prejudice" is more commonly used in negotiations and correspondence, while "reserving all rights" is a broader declaration of maintaining one's full legal entitlements.

Can I use "without prejudice" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "without prejudice" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or out of place. Simpler phrases like "no offense" or "I'm just saying" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when a case is dismissed "without prejudice"?

When a case is dismissed "without prejudice", it means the case is dismissed, but the plaintiff is allowed to bring a new action on the same claim. This is different from a dismissal "with prejudice", which prevents the plaintiff from refiling the case.