Search pages and navigate
Without
Definition
The grammar pattern "動（辞書形）＋ことなしに" is used to describe a situation where one thing doesn't happen unless another thing happens first, or to describe an action performed without a certain accompanying state. It is a formal and literary way to say 'without doing [verb]' and is often used in more complex or nuanced situations. This pattern is particularly useful for expressing the idea that a certain action or condition is a prerequisite for another action or outcome.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form of the verb | 動（辞書形）＋ことなしに | 食べ＋ことなしに |
| Dictionary form of the verb in the passive voice | 動（辞書形）＋ことなしに | 食べられ＋ことなしに |
| Dictionary form of the verb in the polite form | 動（辞書形）＋ことなしに | 食べる＋ことなしに |
Examples
多くの犠牲を払うことなしに、この勝利を勝ち取ることはできなかった。
Ookunokugisekiwo tsukau koto nashi ni, kore no shōriwo kachitsukeru koto ga dekinakatta.
Without paying a great many sacrifices, we could not have won this victory.
多くの犠牲を払う (pay a great many sacrifices), ことなしに (without), この勝利を勝ち取る (win this victory), ことはできなかった (could not have)
十分な調査を行うことなしに、結論を急ぐべきではない。
Jūbunna shūsa wo okonau koto nashi ni, ketsuron wo isogu beki dewa nai.
Without conducting sufficient research, one should not rush to a conclusion.
十分な調査を行う (conduct sufficient research), ことなしに (without), 結論を急ぐべきではない (should not rush to a conclusion)
他人の痛みを知ることなしに、真の優しさを身につけることはできない。
Tanin no itami wo shiru koto nashi ni, shin no yasashisa wo mi tsukeru koto ga dekinai.
Without knowing the pain of others, one cannot acquire true kindness.
他人の痛みを知る (know the pain of others), ことなしに (without), 真の優しさを身につける (acquire true kindness)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal and literary writing, and is often used to express complex or nuanced ideas. It can be used to describe a situation where one thing is a prerequisite for another, or to describe an action performed without a certain accompanying state. It is often used in combination with other grammatical patterns, such as the conditional tense.
Watch out
For example, instead of "多くの犠牲を払うことなしに", one might use "多くの犠牲を払うことなく", which means "without paying a great many sacrifices" rather than "without the act of paying a great many sacrifices".
～ことなしに is used to describe a situation where one thing is a prerequisite for another, while ～ことなく is used to describe a situation where something continues without interruption.
～ずにはいられない is used to describe a situation where one is forced to do something, while ～ことなしに is used to describe a situation where one thing is a prerequisite for another.
Strategy
When using this pattern on the JLPT N1 exam, be sure to pay close attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. This pattern can be tricky to use correctly, so make sure to read the sentence carefully and choose the correct answer.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 動（辞書形）＋ことなしに used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
多くの犠牲を払うことなしに、この勝利を勝ち取ることはできなかった。
Pattern used: ことなしに
～ことなしに is used here to mean 'without the act of paying many sacrifices'.
十分な調査を行うことなしに、結論を急ぐべきではない。
Pattern used: ことなしに
～ことなしに provides a formal tone suitable for an advisory or cautionary statement in a professional context.
他人の痛みを知ることなしに、真の優しさを身につけることはできない。
Pattern used: ことなしに
This indicates that 'knowing others' pain' is an indispensable condition for gaining true kindness.
Interactive
多くの犠牲を払う______、この勝利を勝ち取ることはできなかった。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.