without

With none of something you need or want, when that thing has already been mentioned or is understood.

• There was no coffee, so we went without.
• If you cannot afford a car, you must manage without.
• She wanted new shoes but learned to do without.

Common phrases: go without, do without, manage without

Used to show that someone does not have something or that something is absent.

• I drink tea without sugar.
• She left home without her phone.
• Can you open it without a key?

How to use it: without + noun/pronoun (I cannot do this without your help.)

Opposites: with

Common phrases: without a coat, without sugar, without someone's help, without any doubt

Used to show that an action does not happen or has not happened.

• He left without saying goodbye.
• I read the whole book without stopping.
• Can you carry it without dropping anything?

How to use it: without + -ing (He entered without knocking.); without someone + -ing (She left without anyone noticing.)

Common phrases: without saying anything, without asking someone, without looking back, without sharing something

Outside a building, area, or boundary.

• The soldiers waited without the gates.
• A small village stood without the castle walls.
• They made their camp without the city.

Similar words: outside, beyond

Opposites: within

Common phrases: without the walls, without the gates, without the city