Phrasal verb
do without
Definition
phrasal verb. to manage or live your life without something that you usually have or need.
phrasal verb. to manage to survive or function in the absence of a specific resource or person; often used in contexts of necessity or forced austerity.
Examples
“We will have to do without sugar for a few days.”
“If the bus doesn't come soon, I'll just have to do without a coffee this morning.”
“The expedition was forced to do without their primary communication equipment after the storm damaged the satellite uplink.”
Examples
simple
“We will have to do without sugar for a few days.”
contextual
“If the bus doesn't come soon, I'll just have to do without a coffee this morning.”
complex
“The expedition was forced to do without their primary communication equipment after the storm damaged the satellite uplink.”
Usage
usually followed by a noun or a gerund representing the missing item or activity.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'go without', which is very similar but often implies a more serious or physical lack, whereas 'do without' focuses on the ability to manage the situation.
Pitfall
I can't do without of my phone.
I can't do without my phone.
'without' is a preposition here, so adding 'of' after it is grammatically incorrect.
Phrasal verb
Particles
without
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
do + without + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/do-without