without the baggage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without the baggage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate doing something without the emotional or psychological burdens that may accompany it. Example: "I want to approach this new relationship without the baggage of my past experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without the baggage.

The New York Times - Sports

He was Ms. Palin, without the baggage.

The New York Times

Someone without the baggage of the past," she added".

Independent

For a while, he was Donald Trump without the baggage.

The New Yorker

Teams can always find a decent combination guard, one without the baggage.

The New York Times - Sports

Her sheer vocal enormousness comes without the baggage of bitterness or hurt.

The New York Times - Arts

He said that he hopes to be a fresh face, "without the baggage".

The New York Times

He could explore the city's club scene without the baggage of being recognised.

The Guardian - Music

"We say Mr. Edwards is Bubba without the baggage," Mr. Blalock said, referring to Bill Clinton.

The New York Times

Unlike the origins of radio and cinema, television in Ghana was born without the baggage of paternalistic colonial ancestry.

University of California, Berkeley

The Hostess brands could look especially appealing, without the baggage of the company's debt and labor costs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without the baggage" to highlight the positive aspects of a fresh start or a renewed approach. It emphasizes the absence of negative influences or past issues.

Common error

While "without the baggage" is a useful idiom, overuse can make your writing sound cliché. Consider using synonyms like "free from encumbrance" or "unburdened by the past" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without the baggage" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It describes the absence of negative influences, burdens, or past issues. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without the baggage" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to emphasize the absence of negative influences or burdens. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, most frequently appearing in News & Media. When using the phrase, consider alternatives such as "free from encumbrance" or "unburdened by the past" to avoid overuse. Although commonly used in general, academic or business sources may push for alternative vocabulary. Overall, "without the baggage" serves to highlight positive aspects by indicating a fresh start or freedom from past constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without the negative aspects

General way to describe a focus on the good things of a situation.

without the drawbacks

Emphasizes the positive aspects of something by excluding its negative qualities.

minus the liabilities

Highlights the advantages of a situation by excluding potential risks or debts.

free from encumbrance

Focuses on the absence of any kind of burden or impediment, whether physical or metaphorical.

relieved of burdens

Emphasizes the feeling of being freed from heavy responsibilities or problems.

absent of complications

Highlights the simplicity and straightforwardness of a situation.

unburdened by the past

Specifically highlights the release from past experiences or history.

clear of impediments

Focuses on removing obstacles that hinder progress or achievement.

lacking the hindrances

Highlights the progress or success achieved by not having obstacles.

devoid of issues

Focuses on the absence of problems or difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "without the baggage" in a sentence?

You can use "without the baggage" to describe a situation or entity that is free from negative influences or past issues. For example, "The new manager approached the project "without the baggage" of previous failures".

What are some alternatives to "without the baggage"?

Some alternatives include "free from encumbrance", "unburdened by the past", or "without the drawbacks" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "without the baggage" in formal writing?

Yes, "without the baggage" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to convey a sense of objectivity or impartiality. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, more formal alternatives might be preferable.

What does it mean when someone says something is "without the baggage"?

It means that the subject in question is free from negative past experiences, preconceptions, or other factors that could hinder its progress or success. It often implies a fresh start or a more objective approach.