learning - "Without reason" or "Without reasons"?


Do we say "Without reason" or "Without reasons"? (e.g. She started laughing without (apparent) reason(s).).


Is "reason" countable or not?


Can we ever use a plural noun after "without"?



Answer



In the phrase "without reason", reason is a noun. Reasons can be counted so "without reasons" is grammatical. However, it is not idiomatic; the English idiom is to use "without reason". Note also that this is a formal usage which is uncommon in everyday conversation:



She laughed without reason (formal register)



contrasted with



She started laughing for no apparent reason (informal, everyday register)



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