without water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where water is absent or lacking. Example: "The plants in the garden will wilt quickly without water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Nothing can happen without water".

The New York Times

It's not happening without water".

The New York Times - Sports

Four hours without water?

The New York Times - Magazine

Without water, you die.

The Guardian

"Without water we cannot survive".

The New York Times

"Arid land without water is virtually worthless".

The New York Times

And what would beer be without water?

The New York Times - Arts

But without water, they all face ruin.

The Economist

It's a water cooler without water.

The Guardian - Tech

"But without water it is useless".

The New York Times

"My family cannot function without water".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of drought or water scarcity, use "without water" to emphasize the consequences on agriculture, ecosystems, and communities.

Common error

Avoid using "without water" when a simpler adjective like "dry" or "waterless" suffices, especially in informal contexts. Simplicity enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without water" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to describe a condition or state resulting from the absence of water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without water" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes conditions or situations in which water is absent. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase. It serves to highlight the necessity of water, particularly in discussing agriculture, survival, and environmental issues, primarily within news, scientific, and formal contexts. While simpler alternatives such as "dry" or "waterless" may sometimes suffice, "without water" is valuable when emphasizing the specific absence of water. Remember to consider the context and desired emphasis when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking water

Replaces "without" with "lacking", emphasizing the deficiency of water.

devoid of water

Uses "devoid" for a stronger emphasis on the complete absence of water.

in the absence of water

Formal and explicit about the lack of water.

waterless

A concise adjective meaning "without water".

deprived of water

Highlights the act of taking water away or being without it.

dry

Simple adjective denoting the absence of water, suitable in specific contexts.

parched

Implies extreme dryness and thirst.

arid

Describes a landscape or climate with little to no water.

suffering from drought

Focuses on the impact of prolonged absence of water.

facing water scarcity

Emphasizes the problem of not having enough water.

FAQs

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

You can use "without water" to describe conditions, processes, or consequences that occur due to the absence of water. For instance, "Plants cannot survive without water", or "The desert is a harsh environment without water".

What are some alternatives to "without water"?

Some alternatives include "lacking water", "devoid of water", "waterless", or "dry" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "without water", or can I use a single adjective?

Using a single adjective like "dry" or "arid" can often be more concise and effective. The choice depends on the level of detail and emphasis you want to convey. Use "without water" when you want to specifically highlight the absence of water as a key factor.

What's the difference between "without water" and "water scarcity"?

"Without water" describes a state of absence, whereas "water scarcity" describes a situation where there is not enough water available to meet the demands of a population or ecosystem. "Water scarcity" implies a broader systemic issue, while "without water" can refer to a specific instance or condition.