doing without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'doing without' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an idiom meaning to make do without something, or to manage without something. For example, "For the past two weeks, I've been doing without my car while it's being repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So she is doing without.

The New York Times - Health

But it's not only students doing without.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many suffer the consequences of doing without healthcare.

The Guardian

Disliking nuclear power is easier than doing without it.

The Economist

But I also love doing without so much.

The New Yorker

But I didn't mind doing without other children.

The New Yorker

Just let them see what I'm doing without explaining it".

The New York Times

The president's home, too, is now doing without festive lights.

The New York Times

BOB How's the artistic community doing without us?

The New York Times - Magazine

And what do you think Varys is doing without Tyrion?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But what she really was doing -- without quite realizing it -- was waiting, waiting for a storm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about budgetary constraints or lifestyle changes, use "doing without" to clearly express the act of forgoing certain amenities or resources. For example, "The family is doing without a vacation this year to save money."

Common error

Avoid using "doing without" when you mean simply reducing consumption. "Doing without" implies complete abstinence, not moderation. For example, if you are only reducing your sugar intake, it's more accurate to say you are "cutting back on" sugar rather than "doing without" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing without" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. Ludwig examples show it describing the state or action of abstaining from something, like "doing without healthcare" or "doing without festive lights". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing without" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a gerund phrase, conveying the idea of managing in the absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and typically used to describe making do in the absence of something. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources. Related phrases include "managing without" and "going without". When using "doing without", ensure it accurately reflects complete abstinence rather than mere reduction. The phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going without

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the act of passing time in a state of lacking something.

managing without

Replaces the gerund "doing" with "managing", keeping the overall meaning of coping in the absence of something.

coping without

Focuses on the act of dealing with a situation where something is absent.

making do without

Emphasizes resourcefulness and the ability to cope with limited resources.

forgoing

Uses a single verb to mean abstaining from or going without something.

abstaining from

Highlights a conscious decision to refrain from using or consuming something.

living without

Highlights a lifestyle or long-term situation of lacking something.

dispensing with

Implies a formal removal or decision to not use something.

cutting back on

Implies reducing the use or consumption of something, often due to necessity.

skipping

Suggests omitting something, often temporarily or intentionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing without" to describe a situation where someone is managing to live or operate effectively, even though something is absent. For example, "They are "doing without" a car to save money on gas and insurance."

What are some alternatives to "doing without"?

Alternatives to "doing without" include "managing without", "forgoing", or "going without" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "doing without"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "doing without". It functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often describing a state or action of abstaining from something.

What's the difference between "doing without" and "cutting back on"?

"Doing without" implies complete absence or abstinence from something, while "cutting back on" suggests a reduction in consumption or use. If you completely stop using something, you are "doing without" it. If you reduce your usage, you are "cutting back on" it.