without interfering

USAGE SUMMARY

"without interfering" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should happen without someone or something else doing something to prevent it. For example, "The two sides agreed to resolve the issue without interfering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Protest leaders watched the police without interfering.

The Economist

Only to send the weapons without interfering directly.

The Guardian

Will they do the right thing without interfering too much?

The Guardian

Police officials said they could proceed administratively without interfering with the criminal trial.

The New York Times

Dobb represent the English school, the behaviorists of personetics, who observe without interfering.

The New Yorker

But the Westerners felt that they could continue without interfering with the fixing crew.

The New Yorker

"I try to sit back, observe and take photos without interfering.

The New York Times - Arts

Their primary relationships with adults support them without interfering with them as parents.

The New York Times - Magazine

Government should address problems without interfering with the dynamism of the market.

The New York Times

Egyptian military and security police officers largely stood by without interfering with the demolition.

The New York Times

It demands basic democracy from its members, without interfering much in their domestic politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without interfering" to clearly state the intention of allowing a process or action to proceed naturally, without any form of obstruction or intervention. This is particularly useful in instructions, guidelines, and policy statements where autonomy and minimal disruption are desired.

Common error

Avoid equating passive observation with non-interference. Observing a situation without acting is different from actively ensuring that no actions are taken to disrupt or alter the natural course of events. "Without interfering" implies a deliberate effort to avoid any form of intervention, not just a lack of immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without interfering" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action occurs without any form of intervention or obstruction. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without interfering" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey the absence of intervention in a process or action. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. Common alternatives include "without intervening" and "without meddling". When using this phrase, ensure that you are not simply passively observing but actively avoiding any actions that could disrupt the natural flow of events. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the phrase's broad applicability and consistent meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without intervening

Emphasizes the absence of active involvement or interruption in a process.

without meddling

Highlights the avoidance of unnecessary or unwanted involvement.

without intruding

Focuses on not disrupting or imposing oneself on a situation.

without disrupting

Underscores the maintenance of order and continuity by not causing disturbances.

without obstructing

Stresses the importance of not hindering progress or movement.

without hindering

Emphasizes the lack of impediments or obstacles.

without impeding

Highlights the absence of delays or slowdowns in a process.

hands off

Indicates a policy of non-involvement or non-intervention.

laissez-faire

Implies a deliberate policy of minimal intervention, especially in economic affairs.

non-interventionist

Describes a stance of avoiding interference in the affairs of others.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without interfering" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "without intervening", "without impeding", or "without obstructing", depending on the specific context.

What's a simpler way to say "without interfering"?

Simpler alternatives include "hands off", "leave it alone", or just saying "don't touch", depending on the situation. The best choice depends on the level of formality required.

Is it ever better to use "without intervening" over "without interfering"?

While both phrases are similar, "without intervening" often implies a more formal or official context, suggesting a deliberate choice not to become involved in a situation. "Without interfering" is more general and can apply to everyday situations.

Can "without interfering" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "without interfering" can be used in a negative context to describe a failure to act when action was needed. For example, "The bystanders watched the incident unfold without interfering", implying a criticism of their inaction.