without them being there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without them being there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening or being done in the absence of certain people or things. Example: "We can discuss the project details without them being there to influence the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's their first Christmas without them being there and I'm sure that must be tough.

Independent

"We can't hardly go to the bathroom without them being there," Howell complained.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had already been reluctant to borrow it, he told The Post, since he had never really driven anyone else's car without them being there.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

See them without acknowledging them, be there without "being" there.

WikiHow

It allows them to showcase a property to a prospective buyer without physically being there, giving them a play-by-play of the location.

Forbes

Going without them isn't an option and there are no federal government programs that offer them.

HuffPost

"That couldn't have happened without their permitting them to be there.

The New York Times

It is totally impossible in this community for them to be there without us knowing.

The Guardian

"It's taking an animal without them ever knowing you're there".

The New York Times - Travel

"Without them, there's no me, and there's no Reddit.

TechCrunch

This Council wouldn't be there without them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without them being there" when you want to explicitly emphasize the physical or direct absence of individuals from a situation or event.

Common error

Avoid using "without them being there" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more concise alternatives like "in their absence" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without them being there" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating a condition of absence. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests an action or state occurring in the absence of specified individuals.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without them being there" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurs in the absence of specific individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, albeit noting its relative infrequency and potential for sounding slightly informal. While suitable for general contexts, consider alternatives like "in their absence" for more formal writing. It appears primarily in News & Media sources and is less common in academic or business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the emphasis is on the physical or direct absence of the individuals in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their absence

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise prepositional phrase indicating absence.

without their presence

Substitutes "being there" with the noun "presence", maintaining a similar level of formality.

in the absence of them

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the state of absence.

when they are not present

Transforms the phrase into a clause specifying the condition of absence.

excluding their presence

Uses a gerund phrase to indicate the act of excluding someone's presence.

without their involvement

Focuses on the lack of participation or contribution.

behind their backs

Implies doing something secretly or without their knowledge.

in secrecy from them

Highlights the secretive nature of the action.

while they are away

Specifies that the action occurs during their temporary absence.

without their awareness

Emphasizes that they are not conscious or informed about the action.

FAQs

What does "without them being there" mean?

The phrase "without them being there" means that something is happening or being done in the absence of a specific group of people. It emphasizes their physical or direct lack of presence in a particular situation.

What are some alternatives to "without them being there"?

You can use alternatives like "in their absence" or "without their presence" depending on the context. These alternatives offer a more concise and formal tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "without them being there"?

Yes, "without them being there" is grammatically correct, although it might sound slightly informal. In formal writing, consider using "in their absence" for a more polished style.

How can I use "without them being there" in a sentence?

You can use "without them being there" to indicate that an action or event occurs when specific individuals are not present. For example, "We discussed the project details without them being there to influence the conversation."