without looking back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without looking back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who continues doing something without looking back or pausing to consider the consequences of their actions. For example: "Without looking back, he swerved around the corner and into the darkness of the alleyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sid drove without looking back.

The New Yorker

I walked away without looking back.

The New Yorker

She trudged onward, without looking back.

The New Yorker

He drove away without looking back.

The New York Times

We drove away without looking back.

The New Yorker

England meanwhile simply won without looking back.

The Guardian - Sport

Next, run back to the office without looking back.

The New Yorker

Garnish with a black grape and serve without looking back.

The New York Times - Magazine

She got off at the next station without looking back.

The Guardian

Then you can walk away without looking back.

The Guardian - Money

After a moment, she hurried away without looking back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without looking back" to convey a sense of finality or irreversible action. For example, "She left the company without looking back, ready to pursue her own ventures."

Common error

Avoid using "without looking back" when the context requires reflection or consideration of past actions. The phrase inherently suggests a lack of regret or second-guessing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without looking back" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI illustrates, the phrase often indicates a decisive and irreversible action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without looking back" is a versatile idiom that describes decisive, irreversible actions, commonly used in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. When writing, use "without looking back" to emphasize a lack of regret or reconsideration, and consider related phrases like ""without hesitation"" or ""resolutely"" for subtle variations in meaning. Avoid using it in contexts where reflection is necessary, or when a sense of regret is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without second thoughts

Emphasizes the absence of hesitation or reconsideration.

without hesitation

Highlights the immediacy and decisiveness of an action.

resolutely

Focuses on the determined and unwavering nature of the action.

decisively

Stresses the conclusive and firm manner of the action.

headlong

Implies a rushed and potentially reckless movement forward.

full speed ahead

Suggests moving forward rapidly and with complete commitment.

come what may

Indicates an acceptance of any consequences that might arise.

come what may

Indicates an acceptance of any consequences that might arise.

never wavering

Stresses steadfastness and lack of doubt in one's actions.

forging ahead

Emphasizes progress despite potential obstacles.

FAQs

How to use "without looking back" in a sentence?

Use "without looking back" to describe an action taken decisively, indicating no regret or intention to reconsider. For example, "He quit his job "without looking back"."

What can I say instead of "without looking back"?

You can use alternatives like "without hesitation", "resolutely", or "decisively" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "without looking back" or "without looking behind"?

"Without looking back" is the idiomatic expression used to convey the idea of moving forward without regret. "Without looking behind" is less common and may sound awkward depending on the context.

What's the difference between "without looking back" and "moving on"?

"Without looking back" emphasizes the decisiveness and lack of regret in leaving something behind, while "moving on" focuses on the process of recovering and progressing after a difficult experience. While similar in meaning, "moving on" implies some sort of loss or difficulty, whereas ""without looking back"" indicates confidence.