without even turning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without even turning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or situation where someone does something without making a physical turn or change in position, often implying a lack of effort or attention. Example: "She walked past the crowd without even turning to look at them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

You can consult it without even turning on the phone.

The New York Times - Tech

Davis skated his warm-down laps without even turning to watch Wennemars and Bos finish.

The New York Times - Sports

Whenever I pointed to such a site, Sergei and Volodya would say, "Military," without even turning their heads.

The New Yorker

Add some whitefish salad, sliced onion, tomatoes and maybe a small bowl of capers and you're done, without even turning on the stove.

The New York Times - Food

When he comes upon her on the beach, she says, without even turning around: "I heard your thoughts clatter all the way down the road.

The New York Times - Books

One baffling aspect of MOOC Mania is that some legislators, administrators and pundits are embracing MOOCs without even turning to their own faculty experts in online methods.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

A few years ago, in a survey conducted by an accident prevention charity, 80% of respondents admitted to going through life on autopilot: arriving at the end of a car journey with no memory of driving there, buying the same item twice without realising, even turning up at the office on a day off.

The Guardian

Students who are struggling financially at university are increasingly going without food and heating, and even turning to theft and escort work, according to a recent survey.

Independent

Even    turning away.

The New Yorker

But of all the stylish denizens in the venue, the one who caught my eye was a woman with enough cleavage to breastfeed the gentleman seated at her side...without even turning.

Huffington Post

Now you will be able to watch such engaging web programs such as, "Just a Minute", "Ausiello TV" and "Idolatry", without having to even turn on the computer.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of actions, ensure that the lack of turning enhances the overall meaning. For example, "He walked past the commotion "without even turning", showing his indifference.

Common error

Avoid using "without even turning" when a literal turn is expected or necessary. Ensure that the context implies a lack of interest or disregard, rather than a physical impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without even turning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it typically adds emphasis to the lack of effort or attention given to the action. This phrase commonly adds more information to how the action is performed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without even turning" is a versatile adverbial phrase that emphasizes a lack of attention, effort, or interest. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in neutral contexts such as news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and the examples illustrate its application in various scenarios to convey indifference or nonchalance. While context is key, using this phrase effectively can add depth to your descriptions by highlighting the actor's disinterest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without so much as turning

Emphasizes the lack of any action or effort in turning.

without even glancing

Focuses specifically on the lack of a quick look or glance.

without even looking

Highlights the lack of visual attention.

without a backward glance

Implies a deliberate decision to not look back, often emotionally charged.

without turning around at all

Stresses the complete absence of turning.

without any turning motion

Highlights the absence of physical rotation.

without a single turn

Emphasizes the complete lack of turning.

without redirecting

Indicates a lack of change in direction or focus.

without adjusting

Suggests no change or alteration in position.

without swiveling

Specifically refers to the lack of a swivel motion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "without even turning" emphasizes a lack of attention or effort. For example, "She dismissed the comment "without even turning" around" indicates a strong disregard.

What does "without even turning" imply in a description?

It typically suggests indifference, nonchalance, or a deliberate choice to ignore something or someone. It conveys a sense of disinterest or a lack of surprise.

Are there alternatives to "without even turning" that convey a similar meaning?

Yes, alternatives like "without even looking", "without glancing", or "without a backward glance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "without even turning" and "without turning"?

Adding "even" emphasizes the lack of effort or surprise. "Without turning" simply states the absence of a turning action, whereas "without even turning" highlights the lack of attention or emotion accompanying the action.