without knowing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'without knowing that' is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause indicating that something was done without being aware of a particular fact or situation. For example, "He accepted the job offer without knowing that he would have to work evenings and weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

First, Philo can be interpreted as a kind of externalist: one can know something without knowing that one knows it.

SEP

And we can't know him without knowing that".

The New York Times

And, as Joshua Wolf Shenk says in this three hour documentary, "We can't know him without knowing that".

The New York Times

But even without knowing that, we feel its enigmatic melancholy.

The Guardian - Arts

It's undoubtedly possible to read this book without knowing that Kinder was a close friend of Raymond Carver.

The New York Times - Books

If you watch without knowing that Murphy is re-enacting his own experiences, the film is a pretty alienating experience.

The Guardian - Film

Without knowing that fact we could not speculate in a sensible way as to why that might be happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some countries, including the Netherlands, were reluctant to give such a guarantee without knowing that private sector investors would also play a substantial role in the new bailout.

The New York Times

It could shred and delete thousands of Enron-related documents without knowing that was wrong either.

Forbes

His office fastened onto the Valmet transactions but without knowing that Brennan was involved.

Forbes

"I could have gone my whole life without knowing that".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without knowing that", ensure the clause following 'that' accurately reflects the unknown information or circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "without knowing that" as a weak apology or excuse. Ensure it serves to genuinely clarify a lack of awareness, rather than deflect responsibility. For example, do not write "I deleted the file without knowing that it was important" when you should have checked first.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without knowing that" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It modifies the main clause by providing context about the lack of awareness or knowledge surrounding the action or state being described. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in adding crucial information about the actor's state of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without knowing that" is a versatile tool for expressing a lack of awareness or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that it adds valuable context and isn't merely a filler. Consider related alternatives such as "unbeknownst to them" or "without realizing it" to tailor your message with precision. By understanding its function and nuances, you can effectively enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without realizing it

Focuses on the lack of conscious awareness during the action.

unbeknownst to them

This alternative phrase emphasizes the lack of awareness from a third-person perspective.

unaware of the fact that

More formal and explicitly states the lack of awareness of a specific fact.

without being conscious of

Highlights the absence of conscious thought during the action.

in ignorance of

Emphasizes the lack of knowledge or information.

oblivious to the reality that

Highlights a lack of awareness of a fact or situation.

not being informed that

Focuses on the state of not receiving pertinent data.

in the dark about

An idiom meaning uninformed about something.

naively assuming that

Implies a trusting or innocent lack of awareness.

little did they suspect that

Adds a tone of dramatic irony, highlighting the unexpectedness of the truth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without knowing that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "unbeknownst to them", "unaware of the fact that", or "without being conscious of". Each alternative offers a sophisticated way to convey a lack of knowledge or awareness.

Is it ever incorrect to use "without knowing that"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or misuse of "without knowing that" can weaken your writing. Ensure it adds valuable context rather than serving as a filler phrase or weak justification.

What's the difference between "without realizing it" and "without knowing that"?

"Without realizing it" implies a lack of conscious awareness, while "without knowing that" emphasizes a lack of specific information or understanding. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting a lack of awareness or a lack of knowledge.

What are some common synonyms for "without knowing that"?

Synonyms include "unaware of the fact that", "unbeknownst to them", and "in ignorance of". These alternatives offer different nuances in expressing a lack of awareness or knowledge.