do without

USAGE SUMMARY

"do without" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used when something is necessary and can't be obtained or done, so you have no choice but to do without it. Example: Since I don't have the tools to repair the sink, I'll have to do without them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some cannot do without.

The New Yorker

We could do without it.

Independent

I can do without him.

The New Yorker

We can do without you".

The New Yorker

If not, I'd do without".

The New York Times

I can do without fighting.

The New York Times

I can do without it.

The New York Times

Many households do without.

The Guardian

"So I do without".

The New York Times

"We don't do without.

The Guardian

"They think they cannot do without it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do without" when you want to express the idea of managing or surviving despite the absence of something necessary or desired. For instance, in times of scarcity, people often have to "do without" certain luxuries.

Common error

Avoid adding a gerund after "do without" when it's not necessary. For example, instead of saying "We had to do without eating for a day", say "We had to "do without" for a day" or "We had to "do without" food for a day".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do without" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of managing or coping in the absence of something. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, from personal sacrifices to broader societal situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "do without" effectively communicates the act of managing or coping in the absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. This phrase finds its home primarily in news and media, reflecting real-world situations where people and societies adapt to scarcity. When writing, avoid adding unnecessary gerunds after the phrase. For alternative expressions, consider "manage without" or "cope without". With its versatility and widespread use, mastering "do without" enhances clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go without

A more literal expression of not having something.

manage without

Emphasizes the act of successfully handling a situation despite lacking something.

cope without

Focuses on the ability to deal with a lack or absence.

live without

Focuses on maintaining a lifestyle or existence in the absence of something.

get by without

Highlights the idea of surviving or functioning at a basic level when something is missing.

dispense with

Suggests a formal or deliberate decision to eliminate the need for something.

make do with

Highlights resourcefulness in using what is available, even if it's not ideal.

forgo

Implies a voluntary act of giving up or abstaining from something.

abstain from

Emphasizes a conscious and often moral decision to avoid something.

do away with

Implies eliminating or abolishing something completely.

FAQs

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

You can use "do without" to indicate managing or coping despite lacking something. For example: "During the power outage, we had to "do without" electricity."

What's a simple way to explain what "do without" means?

"Do without" means to manage or survive in the absence of something needed or desired. It implies adapting to a situation where something is lacking.

What can I say instead of "do without"?

Alternatives include "manage without", "cope without", or "get by without", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "do without" or "go without"?

Both "do without" and "go without" are correct, but "do without" often implies a conscious effort to manage, while "go without" can simply indicate a lack of something. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.