without using

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without using" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that a particular action must not be done. For example: "Readers are expected to complete the task without using any outside materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without using his fists, he meant.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Rowland spoke without using notes, Mr. Halloran said.

The New York Times

Maximum social media cut-through, without using a single stamp.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What about masturbating without using porn," he wanted to know.

The Guardian

Want to furnish your house without using natural resources?

The Guardian

He built a new stadium without using public money.

The New York Times - Sports

It draws them into structure without using that fancy word".

The New York Times - Arts

I manage to check stuff out without using these services.

The Guardian - Music

"But they're trying to do it without using the courts.

The New York Times

That's a recession sentence, without using the word".

The New York Times

He said its technology can measure viewership without using encryption.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to complete a task, use "without using" to clearly specify any forbidden tools, materials, or methods. For example, "Solve this equation without using a calculator."

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "without using" as it can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read sentences. Simplify by breaking down the sentence or rephrasing with clearer alternatives such as "lacking the use of" or "not making use of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without using" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating exclusion or absence of a tool, method, or resource in performing an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to specify limitations or conditions under which something must be done, as seen in examples like "solve this equation without using a calculator."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without using" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase indicating the absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its applicability across various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. To enhance clarity, avoid overusing it in complex sentences and consider alternatives like "lacking the use of" or "not making use of" where appropriate. This phrase functions to set boundaries, impose constraints, or specify methods, enriching the clarity and precision of your writing by defining what is not being utilized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not making use of

This alternative highlights the non-application of a resource or method.

avoiding the employment of

This focuses on actively steering clear of using something.

lacking the use of

This alternative emphasizes the absence of something necessary for an action.

bypassing the need for

This suggests circumventing the necessity of something.

excluding the utilization of

This alternative suggests a deliberate choice to not employ something.

managing without

This focuses on successfully operating despite the absence of something.

abstaining from the use of

This emphasizes a conscious decision to refrain from using something.

doing away with the necessity of

This alternative suggests the elimination of the need for something.

eschewing the application of

This indicates a deliberate avoidance of something, often for ethical or aesthetic reasons.

operating independent of

This suggests functioning separately and not reliant on something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "without using" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "excluding the utilization of" or "abstaining from the use of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "without using" when indicating the absence of something?

No, sometimes it's more concise to simply state what is being used. For example, instead of "Solve it without using a calculator", you could say "Solve it manually".

What's a common mistake when writing sentences with "without using"?

A frequent error is creating overly complex sentences. Ensure clarity by keeping the sentence structure simple and direct. It may be better to split a complicated sentence into two simpler ones.

Can I start a sentence with "without using"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "without using" can sometimes sound awkward. It's often better to restructure the sentence to place the phrase in the middle or end for better flow. For example, "You can achieve this goal "without any extra help"."