without the knowledge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “without the knowledge of” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that happened or was done without someone knowing or being aware of it. For example, "The shipment was sent out without the knowledge of the manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ric without the knowledge of Nordström's paper.

Princeton University

He did this without the knowledge of Ms Dowd.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most women use contraceptives without the knowledge of men".

The Guardian

I wrote a magazine without the knowledge of Israeli guards.

The New York Times

He did this without the knowledge of Ms. Dowd".

The New York Times

What's worse, it seems that this was done without the knowledge of other potential bidders".

The New York Times

Reporters need to be especially wary of seeking out minors without the knowledge of their parents.

The New York Times

In fact, in many instances, the trees are harvested without the knowledge of the land owner.

The New York Times

It is understood he made those comments without the knowledge of the opposition leader.

The Guardian

I was approached by the FA without the knowledge of my chairman.

The Guardian - Sport

"So many times, I've spoken to patients without the knowledge of my staff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without the knowledge of", ensure it's clear who lacks the knowledge and what the implications of that lack of knowledge are.

Common error

Avoid using "without the knowledge of" in sentences where a simpler word like "secretly" or "unknowingly" would suffice. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without the knowledge of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate a lack of awareness. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without the knowledge of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a lack of awareness or consent. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal writing, but ensure clarity about who lacks knowledge and the implications thereof.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without the awareness of

This alternative substitutes "knowledge" with "awareness", maintaining the same structure and meaning but with a subtle difference in nuance.

unbeknownst to

This alternative is a single word that replaces the entire phrase, offering a more concise option. It carries a slightly more formal tone.

unbeknown to

Similar to "unbeknownst to", this is a concise and slightly formal alternative to the original phrase.

without the cognizance of

This option uses the more formal word "cognizance", which suggests a deeper level of awareness than "knowledge".

in ignorance of

This phrase emphasizes the state of not knowing rather than the absence of knowledge itself.

without informing

This alternative focuses on the act of not informing someone, rather than their lack of knowledge.

secretly from

This phrase emphasizes the hidden nature of the action and the intention to keep it concealed.

clandestinely from

This alternative suggests a high degree of secrecy and often implies illicit or unauthorized activity.

under the radar of

This idiom implies that something happened without attracting attention or being noticed.

behind someone's back

This idiom suggests that something was done without someone's permission or approval, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

What does "without the knowledge of" mean?

The phrase "without the knowledge of" means that something is done or occurs without a specific person or group being aware of it.

How can I use "without the knowledge of" in a sentence?

You can use "without the knowledge of" to indicate that an action was performed or a decision was made secretly or without someone's consent. For instance, "The funds were transferred "unbeknownst to" the board of directors."

Which is correct, "without the knowledge of" or "without the knowing of"?

"Without the knowledge of" is the correct and standard phrasing. "Without the knowing of" is not grammatically correct.

What are some alternatives to saying "without the knowledge of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unbeknownst to", "without the awareness of", or "in ignorance of". These phrases can add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning.