What is without? Pronunciation and usage in English

without means . Learn how to pronounce and use without through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of without

withoutpreposition

/wɪðˈaʊt/
Definition & pronunciation of without

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "without" in English. It's a tricky word for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • "with": This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like "with" as in "with you."
  • "out": This part is where it gets a little complex. It sounds like "out" as in "out the door."
  • The hyphen (-): The hyphen doesn't have a sound itself. It just connects the two parts.

2. Putting it Together:

The general consensus is that "without" is pronounced:

ˈwɪθaʊt

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈwɪθ – This is the first syllable. The 'w' is pronounced like a 'w'. The 'i' is pronounced like "ih" (as in "it"). The 'th' is a voiceless dental fricative, which sounds like a "th" as in "think."
  • aʊt – This is the second syllable. The 'a' is pronounced like "ah" (as in "father"). The 'ou' is pronounced like "ow" as in "cow." The 't' is pronounced like a "t".

3. Key Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Don't stress the "o": Many learners stress the "o" in "without." It's crucial to keep the emphasis on the first syllable ("ˈwɪth").
  • The "th" sound: Pay careful attention to the "th" sound. It's often mispronounced as "s" or "d." Think of it as the sound in "think" or "this."
  • Practice slowly: Record yourself saying it and compare it to the pronunciation examples online.

4. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/without/ (This website provides pronunciations by native speakers)
  • Google Translate: You can type "without" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear it pronounced.

Would you like me to:

  • Say it aloud for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using “without”?

Usage and examples with the word without in English

Let's break down how to use the word "without" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different functions, so understanding those functions is key.

1. Meaning & Core Function: Absence or Lack

At its most basic, "without" means not having or lacking something. It indicates the absence of a thing, quality, or feeling.

  • Example: "I went to the party without an invitation." (I didn’t have an invitation.)
  • Example: "She worked without complaining." (She didn't complain.)
  • Example: "The house was built without electricity." (It wasn't equipped with electricity.)

2. Using "Without" with Verbs & Adjectives - Expressing a Characteristic or Result

This is where it gets a little more nuanced. "Without" often comes after verbs and adjectives to describe a state or result.

  • With Verbs (often showing a condition or a lack of action):

    • Without hesitation: (Not delaying) - "He agreed without hesitation."
    • Without a doubt: (Certainly) - "I believe that’s true without a doubt."
    • Without fail: (Always; reliably) - “He arrives without fail on time.”
    • Without exception: (For everyone) – “All students passed the exam without exception.”
    • Without realizing: (Not knowing) – “He walked into the room without realizing he was interrupting.”

  • With Adjectives (often describing a quality or characteristic):

    • Without interest: (Not showing interest) – "She listened without interest."
    • Without concern: (Not worrying) - “He handled the situation without concern.”
    • Without hope: (Not having hope) - “They continued searching without hope.”
    • Without success: (Not achieving success) – “His efforts were without success.”

3. "Without" as a Preposition - Expressing a Condition or Reason

"Without" can act as a preposition, showing a condition necessary for something else to happen.

  • Example: “He failed the test without studying.” (He needed to study to pass - he didn’t.)
  • Example: “She won the prize without any help.” (She needed help to win – she didn’t receive it.)
  • Example: "We arrived without understanding the instructions." (Understanding the instructions was needed for us to arrive safely.)

4. Negative Constructions – General Absence

  • Example: “I have no money without you.” (I don’t have any money, because of you – implying you’re the reason.)

Common Phrases with "Without"

  • Without exception: (As mentioned above - for everyone)
  • Without a shadow of a doubt: (Absolutely certain)
  • Without question: (Certainly; definitely)
  • Without prejudice: (Fairly; impartially)

Key Tips & Considerations

  • Word Order: Generally, “without” goes after the verb or adjective it modifies.
  • Clarity: Make sure the sentence clearly expresses the intended meaning. Sometimes rephrasing can improve clarity. For example, instead of "He walked into the room without realizing he was interrupting," you could say "He was unaware he was interrupting as he walked into the room."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of sentences are you trying to write where you want to use "without"? (e.g., describing a situation, explaining a reason, expressing a feeling?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word without

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