Without further ado and without further adieu are two phrases that are often seen but only one is correct. We will examine the meaning of the correct phrase, where it came from and some examples of its use in sentences.
Let’s examine the meanings of the popular phrase without further ado and adieu and which phrase is correct. You’ll also learn to use the expression in a sentence with the examples provided.
“Without Further Adieu” or “Without Further Ado”
Without further ado is the correct phrase, which means without much fuss or without further delay. Doing something without further ado means you do it at once right away. Without further adieu is an incorrect term meaning without further goodbye, or I’m out of here!
The Meaning of “Ado”
The word or noun ado was a contraction of at do during the old times. It was a Northern English dialect that was Norse-influenced. Scandinavian languages used at for their infinitives.
Ado was a Middle English term meaning trouble, fighting, or conflict. It came from the infinitive in much ado or much to do and similar phrases.
Later on, the word ado meant a fuss, hubbub, or trivial chaos. Much Ado About Nothing is a play written by Shakespeare in 1599 and is a comedy.
Common phrases like Without further ado means immediately, without any more delay. It is a phrase that is often used by people speaking before a crowd, signaling that the point of the gathering is beginning.
The Meaning of “Adieu”
Adieu is a French word that means “goodbye.” It’s also an expression of good wishes before someone departs.
The interjection was also found in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. One line goes, “Contempt, farewell! And maiden pride, adieu!”. To Shakespearean fans, this is the perfect phrase.
But it was a shortened word of a Deu, a Dieu, adew, adewe, and adue in the 14th-century meaning to God. a Dieu vous comant is a saying that means I commend you to God.
Without further adieu is an eggcorn, a misheard phrase, saying, lyric, or slogan that retains the original meaning. The expression is wrong because its literal definition is “without further goodbye,” which may not make sense in the conventional sense.
A guest speaker using the phrase without further adieu states he would like to end a presentation or conversation without excessive goodbyes. In the logical sense, it’s incorrect. But it’s widely accepted.
“Without Further Ado” Synonyms
YouTubers often say without further ado to transition from the intro to the main topic of their content flow. They also say it before introducing their guest. Consider the following alternatives of exact phrases for something new.
- Let’s get into this.
- Without further delay.
- Moving on.
- Let’s move on.
How to Use “Without Further Ado” in a Sentence
Without further ado is usually followed by a comma and an action of what one is performing next. For example,“without further ado, let me introduce today’s main guest.”
You’ll often hear the phrase before any of the following situations:
- The speaker states their main point.
- The speaker introduces a new speaker.
- The speaker initiates the main event.
- The speaker makes an announcement.
It’s a strategy where the person gives background information first before skipping to the significant part. Or they start with a statement that will get the audience’s attention first. When they are ready to move on, they say, “without further ado, let me introduce John Barnes.”
Some say the phrase shows triviality because of the word ado, which means fuss. Your audience might think that you’ve been saying a lot of unnecessary words all this time. A better alternative is without further delay.
You can also ditch the whole transition phrase. Stop implying that what you were saying was useless. Remember that your audience will appreciate conciseness more, so deliver the essential lines, pause, then introduce the next thing.
Examples of “Without Further Ado”
So, without further ado, we present the 2017 edition of pictures that sum up the experience at the Conservative Party Conference. (The Mirror)
Without further ado, here — in chronological order — are our top musical choices for this weekend’s festival. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
So, without further ado, here is your guide to each sign’s most attractive qualities in a relationship, as well as their biggest dating downfalls. (Allure Magazine)
Without further ado, let’s run down each of the 18 big-but-on-a-budget cities. (The Montana Standard)
Use “Without Further Ado” Instead of “Adieu”
Do not confuse your audience by saying without further adieu to start a presentation! Without further ado is the proper term, which means immediately or right away. The keyword is ado, which is a contraction of at do.
But if you want to be sure, you can just say without further delay. Or don’t use a transition phrase at all! Want more writing tips and other cool phrases you can use? Consider the lesser of two evils.