without even trying

USAGE SUMMARY

'without even trying' is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is achieved with minimal effort. For example, "She was able to solve the math problem without even trying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

JAMIE: O.K. YAEL: Like sometimes without even trying.

The New Yorker

Without even trying, he was cooler than everyone else.

The New York Times

Sympathetic all, models of maternal fortitude without even trying.

The New York Times

"We became dissident artists without even trying," he said.

The New York Times

without even trying to coax high mileage from the car.

The New York Times

ROSEMARY FOLEY can talk a blue streak without even trying.

The New York Times

She's over there losing weight without even trying, bless her heart".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He was dispassionate, determined and calculating without even trying- in short, the genuine article.

Huffington Post

"You have so much DNA that you can get complete genomes without even trying".

Los Angeles Times

He got good marks without even trying.

Vice

Some of these profits will come without even trying virtually, that is.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without even trying" to emphasize the simplicity or ease with which something is accomplished, especially when contrasting it with a situation where effort would normally be expected. For example, 'She solved the complex problem without even trying, impressing everyone in the room.'

Common error

Avoid using "without even trying" in situations where genuine effort is clearly required. Overusing it can diminish the achievement or sound dismissive of others' hard work. Ensure the context supports the claim of effortless achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without even trying" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it emphasizes the ease or lack of effort involved in accomplishing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without even trying" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the ease with which something is accomplished. As confirmed by Ludwig, it highlights the effortless nature of an action, often eliciting surprise or admiration. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "effortlessly" or "with ease", the phrase's directness and widespread use contribute to its continued relevance. Understanding its proper context and avoiding overuse ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without any effort

Directly points out the absence of strain or exertion in achieving a result.

effortlessly

This adverb directly replaces the entire phrase, emphasizing the ease with which something is done.

with ease

Focuses on the lack of difficulty involved in achieving something.

it just came easily

Highlights how the result required minimal work to obtain.

inadvertently

Highlights the lack of intention or awareness in achieving a particular outcome.

unintentionally

Similar to 'inadvertently', but stresses the lack of deliberate action.

without lifting a finger

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the complete lack of effort involved.

naturally

Suggests that something happens as a matter of course, without needing to be forced or planned.

spontaneously

Implies that an action occurs suddenly and without conscious planning.

almost automatically

Emphasizes the habitual or reflexive nature of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "without even trying" in a sentence?

You can use "without even trying" to show how easily someone achieved something. For example, "He managed to win the race "without even trying"" or "She became successful "without even trying"".

What can I say instead of "without even trying"?

You can use alternatives like "effortlessly", "with ease", or "inadvertently" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "without even trying"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Without" is a preposition, "even" is an adverb, and "trying" is a gerund (a verb form functioning as a noun). The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb.

What is the difference between "without trying" and "without even trying"?

Adding "even" to the phrase emphasizes the lack of effort, implying a greater degree of ease or lack of intention. "Without trying" simply states that no effort was made, while "without even trying" suggests it was remarkably effortless.