without their knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without their knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done secretly or without the awareness of the individuals involved. Example: "The decision was made to proceed with the project without their knowledge, which led to significant backlash when it was revealed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

without their knowledge".

The New York Times

I almost suffocated without their knowledge..

The Guardian

Moreover, spying on people without their knowledge is an indignity.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Spying is snooping without their knowledge or expectation".

The New York Times

Signed customers up for life insurance without their knowledge.

The New York Times

However, software applications sometimes collect users' data without their knowledge.

Telematics and Informatics

All three girls were apparently served GHB-laced drinks at the party without their knowledge.

The New York Times

Some of those requests will have been coming from UK users without their knowledge, said Blessing.

The Guardian - Tech

They typically enroll accountholders in these programs without their knowledge and make it hard to escape.

The New York Times

(Here the notion that riders are sometimes slipped wicked substances without their knowledge is thoroughly mocked).

The New Yorker

Is it normal to sell your parents' car on eBay without their knowledge?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing covert actions, consider using "without their knowledge" to underscore the secrecy and potential consequences involved.

Common error

Avoid using "without their knowledge" when the lack of awareness is irrelevant or obvious. Ensure the phrase adds meaningful context by emphasizing a hidden or unauthorized action, rather than stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without their knowledge" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase modifies verbs like 'signed up', 'collect', and 'served', specifying that these actions happened secretly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without their knowledge" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something occurred secretly or without someone's awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used. It is often found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, where it serves to highlight issues of transparency and consent. While alternatives like "unbeknownst to them" or "without their awareness" exist, "without their knowledge" remains a clear and effective choice. Be mindful of the scope of the phrase and ensure it adds meaningful context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without their awareness

A direct synonym, replacing "knowledge" with "awareness" to convey the same meaning.

unbeknownst to them

Replaces "without their knowledge" with a more formal and literary expression indicating lack of awareness.

without them realizing

Focuses on the lack of realization by the people involved, emphasizing their unawareness.

unbeknown to

Shortens the original phrase while maintaining its meaning of lacking knowledge.

in secret from them

Emphasizes the secrecy and intentional concealment of the action from the people involved.

behind their backs

Suggests a sense of betrayal or secrecy, implying the action was intentionally hidden.

without their consent

Highlights the lack of permission or agreement, emphasizing the violation of autonomy.

surreptitiously

Similar to "clandestinely", this adverb emphasizes the stealthy and secretive nature of the action.

clandestinely

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb, indicating secrecy and concealment.

under the radar

Implies that the action was done discreetly to avoid detection or attention.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without their knowledge"?

Alternatives include "unbeknownst to them", "without their awareness", or "behind their backs", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to do something "without their knowledge"?

While often used in contexts involving secrecy or potential wrongdoing, doing something "without their knowledge" isn't inherently negative. It can be neutral, especially if the knowledge is unnecessary or the action is ultimately beneficial. However, it often carries a connotation of something being hidden or potentially unauthorized.

What's the difference between "without their knowledge" and "without their consent"?

"Without their knowledge" indicates a lack of awareness, while "without their consent" implies a lack of permission. An action can be done without someone's knowledge but with their consent (if they delegate authority), or without their consent even if they are aware of it (if it's forced upon them).

How to use "without their knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "without their knowledge" to describe a situation where someone is unaware of an action. For example: "The company implemented the new policy "without their knowledge", leading to employee dissatisfaction."