without sex

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without sex" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing relationships, activities, or situations that do not involve sexual interaction. Example: "They decided to remain friends without sex, focusing on their emotional connection instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Without sex.

The Economist

Fourteen years without sex?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What is American Apparel without sex?

The New York Times

They were generally without sex appeal.

The New Yorker

A scandal without sex or blood?

The Economist

"You can live without sex.

The New Yorker

I cannot go on with him without sex.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Try to imagine a Picasso retrospective without sex.

The New York Times - Arts

It is marriage without sex, and subject to many vexations.

The New Yorker

Not that we have to go without sex itself.

The New Yorker

It's a great office romance, without sex to ruin it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing relationships or situations that lack a sexual component, use "without sex" to clearly convey the absence of sexual activity. It avoids ambiguity and is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "without sex" when you actually mean lacking emotional intimacy or physical affection. While sex is one form of intimacy, its absence doesn't necessarily mean a complete lack of connection. Be specific about the type of intimacy that is missing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without sex" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns or verbs to specify the absence of sexual activity. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing relationships, content, or conditions where sex is not a factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without sex" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase, primarily used to denote the absence of sexual activity in various contexts. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in news, media, science, and wiki articles. The phrase serves to clarify the nature of relationships or situations, explicitly stating the lack of sexual involvement. While alternatives like "non-sexual" or "sex-free" exist, "without sex" remains a neutral and widely understood option. It's crucial to use the phrase precisely, avoiding confusion with other forms of intimacy. As Ludwig AI also confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sex-free

Directly indicates the absence of sex in a particular situation or relationship.

non-sexual

A more clinical term, simply denoting the absence of sexual elements.

lacking sexual content

Specifically indicates that something does not include sexual material.

abstinent

Focuses on the conscious decision to refrain from sexual activity.

celibate

Implies a vow or commitment to abstain from sexual activity, often for religious reasons.

asexual

Refers to a lack of sexual attraction or desire.

platonic

Refers to a relationship that is affectionate but not sexual.

without intimacy

Highlights the lack of close emotional or physical connection, which may include sexual activity.

non-genital

Focuses on the exclusion of genital contact or sexual acts.

unchaste

Denotes a departure from traditional expectations of virginity or sexual fidelity.

FAQs

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

You can use "without sex" to describe relationships, scenarios, or content that do not involve sexual activity. For example: "They maintained a close friendship "without sex"" or "The film explored themes of love and connection "without sex" ever being explicitly shown".

What are some alternatives to saying "without sex"?

Alternatives include "non-sexual", "sex-free", "platonic" (specifically for relationships), or "abstinent" if referring to a personal choice to abstain from sexual activity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "sexless" instead of "without sex"?

While "sexless" can sometimes be used similarly to "without sex", it often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of vitality or interest in sex. "Without sex" is generally more neutral and descriptive, especially when discussing relationships or content.

What's the difference between a "sex-free" relationship and a "relationship without sex"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Sex-free" is slightly more informal. Both phrases describe a relationship where sexual activity does not occur, either by choice or circumstance. The phrase "without sex" is generally used to describe a relationship's qualities or boundaries.