without discovering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without discovering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done or occurs without the act of finding out or uncovering information. Example: "She completed the project without discovering any major flaws in the initial design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

And the shopping spree has ended; residents cannot stroll down Madison Avenue without discovering another boutique that has been shuttered.

The New York Times

It blithely assumed that councils could make their savings through restructuring, without discovering whether or not that was true.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can scarcely toss a mixed green salad in a restaurant without discovering several leaves whose arteries and veins are purple.

The Guardian - Books

Both Magee and Scott give credit to Cheltenham's long-time managing director, Edward Gillespie, the man who kept raising the prices without discovering a downside.

The Guardian - Sport

In his e-mail, Mr. Coppola described the charm of Basilicata: "It's hard to dig a hole in the ground anywhere, without discovering an ancient Greek vase or shard.

The New York Times - Travel

Humboldt's economy is so heavily dependent on cannabis cultivation that you can drive for miles on well-kept highways and back roads without discovering a single legitimate source of income, aside from honey stands.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Third, patients being monitored intensively and rich clinical experience are required to make sure whether the complication is really a complication without being related specifically to the existing illness or a co-morbidity existing without discovered on admission.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Delicately, she tests her tightrope balance without him, discovering just how secure she is.

The Guardian

(Add coal to the mix and we go way past two degrees, without ever discovering another seam or field).

The New Yorker

She did his bidding, but not without first discovering that the package contained a deflated rubber raft destined for some secret mission.

The New York Times

If he had kept quiet, he could probably have gone weeks without anybody discovering he was, in fact, with the Oakland A's in Phoenix instead of with the Angels in Tempe.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without discovering", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was not found or realized. For example, "They explored the forest without discovering any rare plants" clearly states the unfulfilled discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "without discovering" with verbs that imply active searching if the intention is to convey a lack of awareness. For example, instead of "He searched without discovering the treasure", use "He was unaware of the treasure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without discovering" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adverb, or adjective. It indicates a condition or circumstance under which an action occurs, specifically the absence of finding or realizing something. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without discovering" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates the absence of finding or realizing something during an action or process. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, with a neutral to slightly formal register. To enhance clarity, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what was not found or realized. When you intend to imply a lack of awareness use "without disclosing", and remember to consider alternative expressions such as ""without finding"" or ""unbeknownst to"" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without finding

Focuses on the lack of a physical finding or locating something.

without uncovering

Highlights the absence of revealing or exposing something hidden.

without learning

Highlights the absence of gaining knowledge or information.

without realizing

Stresses a lack of conscious awareness or understanding.

without perceiving

Focuses on the lack of sensory awareness or understanding.

without noticing

Emphasizes a failure to observe or pay attention to something.

unbeknownst to

Emphasizes a lack of awareness from someone's perspective.

without detecting

Highlights the absence of perceiving something, often through technical means.

without identifying

Emphasizes the failure to recognize or determine the nature of something.

without ascertaining

Focuses on the lack of confirmation or certainty about something.

FAQs

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

Use "without discovering" to indicate that something was done or experienced without finding out or realizing something. For instance, "She completed the project "without discovering" any major flaws".

What's a good alternative to "without discovering"?

Alternatives include "unbeknownst to", "without finding", or "without realizing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "without discovering"?

While grammatically correct, using "without discovering" might be semantically inappropriate if the context implies active seeking. In such cases, consider alternatives that emphasize a lack of awareness rather than a failed search.

How does "without discovering" differ from "without being discovered"?

"Without discovering" implies a failure to find or realize something, while "without being discovered" suggests avoiding detection or being found by others.