What are the definitions of “do without”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Manage without something.
There's no sugar, so you'll have to DO WITHOUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “do without”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb do without is to manage or survive without having something that is usually needed or desired. It means to accept the absence of something and continue functioning.
What are the different verb forms of “do without”?
| Root Verb | do without |
| Third Person Singular Present | does without |
| Present Participle | doing without |
| Simple Past | did without |
| Past Participle | done without |
Example
We will have to do without electricity during the power outage.
Example
She does without a car and uses public transportation instead.
Example
They are doing without air conditioning to save money on their energy bill.
Example
During the war, people did without many luxuries.
Example
He has done without a cellphone for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “do without”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“do without” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We will have to do without dessert tonight.
Example
She did without a car for a year.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“do without” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We will have to do without dessert tonight.
Example
She did without a car for a year.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “do without”?
Good things to know
Does “do without” have an informal or formal tone?
Do without is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
