without reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can typically use it when you want to express that something is not necessary or justifiable. For example, "She left her job without reason, shocking her family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not without reason.

The New York Times

And not without reason.

The New York Times

Ms. Liu's complaint was not without reason.

The New York Times

Their skepticism was not without reason.

The New York Times

A reservoir draining without reason.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was not without reason.

The Guardian - Sport

People laughed — and not without reason.

The New York Times - Magazine

The command is not without reason.

The Guardian

Wales, though, are not fancied without reason.

The Guardian - Sport

And perhaps not completely without reason.

The New York Times - Style

It is a process without reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without reason" to clearly indicate the absence of a logical or justifiable explanation for an action, decision, or event. This enhances clarity and emphasizes the arbitrary nature of the subject in question.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "without reason" can sound repetitive. In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "unjustifiably" or "unwarrantedly" to provide a more nuanced expression of the lack of rationale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without reason" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the absence of a logical or justifiable cause. Ludwig provides examples where it describes actions taken without explanation, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without reason" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to denote the absence of logical or justifiable cause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, consider synonyms like "unjustifiably" or "for no reason" to enhance stylistic variety. Remember to use "without reason" when you specifically want to emphasize the lack of a rational explanation, as seen in numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for no reason

This phrase directly states the absence of any discernible cause.

without cause

This phrase indicates the lack of a valid reason or motive.

without justification

This phrase emphasizes that there is no legitimate defense or excuse for an action.

unjustifiably

This adverb emphasizes the lack of justification for an action.

for no good reason

This phrase highlights the absence of a valid or beneficial reason.

unwarrantedly

This adverb implies that something is done without sufficient grounds or authorization.

irrationally

This adverb implies a lack of logical thought or reason.

arbitrarily

This adverb suggests that a decision or action is based on random choice rather than reason.

baselessly

This adverb suggests that an action or belief is without any foundation or evidence.

groundlessly

This adverb suggests that something lacks a factual or logical basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "without reason" to indicate that something happens without a clear or justifiable cause. For example, "She quit her job "without reason", leaving everyone surprised."

What are some alternatives to saying "without reason"?

Alternatives include "for no reason", "unjustifiably", or "without cause". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "without reason" or "for no reason"?

Both "without reason" and "for no reason" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "without reason" can sometimes sound more formal, while "for no reason" is generally more common in everyday speech.

What's the difference between "without reason" and "irrationally"?

"Without reason" generally describes an action or event that lacks a logical explanation. "Irrationally", on the other hand, specifically implies a lack of logical thought or reasoning behind the action; the second applies to persons more than actions. For example, you might act "irrationally" by making a decision "without reason".