they can do without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they can do without" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is not necessary or can be managed without. Example: "In this project, they can do without the extra funding since they have enough resources to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They can do without the hassle.

The Guardian - Sport

"People realize they can do without as many games".

The New York Times - Sports

"How much further can it go before people say they can do without it?

The New York Times

Young wives have … suddenly found that they can do without them".

The Guardian - Books

As Americans pay more for their necessities, they stop buying the goods they can do without.

The New York Times

Adults may decide they can do without this, but our children's need for it is fundamental.

The Guardian

Or, are they simply doing what they can do without the resolution-snapping burden of guilt?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But a number of early novels in English can't quite decide whether they can do without the supernatural.

Columbia University

They just knew they were getting $20 for each pill -- $1,800 a month off something they can do without.

The New York Times - Magazine

He and his government are in charge there, and they can do without U.S. financing, they have before and can do so again.

The New York Times

It takes a great deal of effort to listen well, and most people would prefer not to work hard at something they think they can do without thinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they can do without", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being considered unnecessary or dispensable. For example, "Given their current resources, they can do without additional funding."

Common error

Avoid assuming something is unnecessary when it might only be preferable to avoid it. "They can do without a new car" implies it's not needed at all, not just that they'd prefer to save money.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they can do without" functions as a verb phrase indicating dispensability or the ability to manage effectively in the absence of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they can do without" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is not essential or that individuals or groups are capable of managing effectively without it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, academic, and scientific writing. It's important to consider the level of necessity when using this phrase to ensure accurate communication. Alternatives include "they are able to manage without" or "they can dispense with", offering similar meanings with slight variations in formality. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "they can do without" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are able to dispense with

Highlights the ability to eliminate the need for something.

they are able to manage without

Emphasizes the ability to function effectively even in the absence of something.

they have the option to forgo

Presents the freedom to choose not to have or do something.

they are capable of foregoing

Highlights the capacity to abstain or relinquish something.

they can forgo

Slightly more formal synonym suggesting a deliberate choice to omit something.

they are in a position to skip

Suggests a deliberate choice to omit or bypass something.

they are permitted to waive

Indicates a sanctioned or allowed abandonment of something.

they are equipped to omit

Focuses on the readiness and resources to leave something out.

they can skip

A more casual way of saying that something is unnecessary.

they are alright without

Indicates a condition of acceptable well-being despite the absence of something

FAQs

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

Use "they can do without" to indicate that a person or group is able to manage effectively even if something is absent or not provided. For example, "They can do without the extra help if the project is streamlined."

What phrases are similar to "they can do without"?

You can use alternatives like "they are able to manage without", "they are capable of foregoing", or "they are alright without" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "they can do without" or "they are able to dispense with"?

"They are able to dispense with" is generally considered more formal than "they can do without". The latter is suitable for everyday conversation, while the former is more appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "they can do without" and "they must do without"?

"They can do without" suggests the dispensability of something, whereas "they must do without" indicates a necessity or obligation to manage without something. The former is about choice, the latter about constraint.