get by without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'get by without' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the ability of a person or thing to manage or survive without something, usually due to difficulties or hardships. For example, you could say: "The family was struggling to get by without a steady income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can you get by without hitting.

The New Yorker

It can get by without one.

The New York Times - Arts

She could get by without Him.

The Guardian

Incumbents could get by without them, the study found.

The Economist

Around these parts, you can't get by without a son.

The Economist

Many other parents must get by without day care services.

The New York Times

The rest of the world can get by without us".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But I don't see any evidence that we can get by without a state hospital".

The New York Times - Health

"The children here wouldn't get by without Lynsey," said Ralph's mother Amie Frost.

Independent

Rather, he wants to assure the faithful that they can get by without priests.

The New Yorker

Many Indian businesses get by without a calculator, let alone a data centre.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get by without", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lacked or abstained from. For example, specify the resource, skill, or item that is absent.

Common error

Avoid using "get by without" in overly broad contexts where the missing element is vague. Be specific about what the subject is managing to do without to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get by without" primarily functions as a prepositional verb phrase indicating the ability to manage or survive in the absence of something. Ludwig shows examples of its use across varied contexts, supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get by without" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the ability to manage or survive in the absence of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both informal and formal communication. To enhance clarity, it's important to specify what exactly is being lacked or abstained from. Remember, this phrase is a testament to resourcefulness and adaptability in challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage without

Focuses on the act of managing or coping in the absence of something.

cope without

Emphasizes the ability to cope or deal with a lack of something.

do without

Highlights the act of abstaining from something due to its absence.

make do without

Suggests using resourcefulness to compensate for a missing element.

survive without

Implies a struggle to stay afloat in the absence of a necessity.

eke out an existence

Signifies barely surviving with very limited resources.

scrape by

Highlights the difficulty in surviving with minimal resources.

make ends meet

Concentrates on managing finances to cover basic needs.

economize on

Focuses on reducing expenses and using resources sparingly.

tighten your belt

Emphasizes the act of cutting back on spending due to scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "get by without" to describe how someone manages to live or function despite lacking something. For example: "Many families "get by without" a car in the city".

What are some alternatives to "get by without"?

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

Is it correct to say "getting by without"?

Yes, "getting by without" is a correct and commonly used gerund form of the phrase, often used in continuous tenses or as a noun. For example: "Getting by without a stable job is challenging".

What is the difference between "get by without" and "get along without"?

"Get by without" generally implies managing with limited resources or necessities, while "get along without" suggests managing a relationship or situation in the absence of someone or something. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but the nuance differs.