What are the definitions of “go without”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not have.
I had to GO WITHOUT lunch today because I didn't have any time.
- 2Cope without having something.
They're not coming, so we'll have to GO WITHOUT their help.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go without”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go without is to not have something that you usually have or need. For example, it can mean not having food to eat, not having money to spend, or not having help when you need it.
What are the different verb forms of “go without”?
| Root Verb | go without |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes without |
| Present Participle | going without |
| Simple Past | went without |
| Past Participle | gone without |
Example
I had to go without lunch today because I was too busy.
Example
She often goes without breakfast because she's not hungry in the morning.
Example
He is going without a car until he can afford a new one.
Example
Yesterday, they went without dinner because they were not hungry.
Example
She has gone without a vacation for several years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go 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
“go 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
I went without lunch today.
Example
They went without help.
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
“go 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
I went without lunch today.
Example
They went without help.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go without”?
Good things to know
Does “go without” have an informal or formal tone?
Go without is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and writing. For example, in a formal context, one might say 'abstain from' or 'forgo' instead of go without.
