get away without

USAGE SUMMARY

"get away without" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that somebody succeeded in doing something without being detected, caught, or without suffering any consequences. Example: I can't believe I was able to get away without being seen by the security guard.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"For 2016 we would get away without it being unanimous.

Independent

So don't think you can get away without tipping.

The Guardian - Tech

The rest get away without paying about $280 billion.

The New York Times

You cannot get away without consequences," one man told The Times last week.

The New York Times

But he figured that if he searched diligently, he could get away without doing either.

The New York Times

He confided then that none of these European girls could get away without chaperons.

The New Yorker

People could get away without working and slacking off was not frowned up.

The Economist

Mr Cameron may sense he will not get away without some compromise.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't see how any city could get away without having any," Mr. Cohen said.

The New York Times - Travel

Ed Miliband couldn't get away without addressing the housing crisis in his conference speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

If they get away without being labelled the Unfab Four I'll be most surprised.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get away without", ensure that the context clearly indicates what negative consequence or obligation is being avoided. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "get away without" in situations where a positive outcome is expected. The phrase implies avoiding something negative, not simply achieving a desired result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get away without" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful avoidance of a negative consequence or required action. As Ludwig confirms, it's about managing to do something without facing the expected repercussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get away without" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the successful avoidance of a negative consequence or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts. This analysis highlights that it is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications and wikis. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided. Consider alternatives like ""evade consequences"" or "escape scot-free" to add nuance. Remember to avoid using it in situations where a positive outcome is expected. Overall, it’s a versatile phrase for expressing successful evasion in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade consequences

Focuses specifically on avoiding negative results.

escape scot-free

Implies escaping without any penalty or punishment.

avoid detection

Highlights the act of not being noticed.

circumvent repercussions

Emphasizes bypassing the negative effects of an action.

dodge accountability

Focuses on avoiding responsibility for something.

sidestep the issue

Indicates a deliberate move to avoid a problem.

sneak past unnoticed

Highlights a discreet and undetected passing.

bypass regulations

Specifically refers to avoiding rules or laws.

outsmart the system

Implies using intelligence to avoid consequences.

slide under the radar

Focuses on remaining unnoticed or undetected.

FAQs

How can I use "get away without" in a sentence?

Use "get away without" to indicate successfully avoiding a negative consequence or obligation. For example, "He hoped to "evade consequences" for his actions".

What are some alternatives to "get away without"?

You can use alternatives such as ""evade consequences"", "escape scot-free", or "avoid detection depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "getting away without"?

Yes, "getting away without" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase. It often functions as a subject or object in a sentence. For instance, "Evading consequences was his main goal".

What does "get away without" imply?

The phrase implies succeeding in avoiding something negative, such as punishment, detection, or an obligation. It suggests a successful evasion of an undesirable outcome.