go without
/ɡoʊ wɪˈðaʊt/
Meaning
This phrasal verb means to manage or survive without having something that is usually considered necessary or desirable, such as food, water, sleep, or money. It is used in everyday contexts to discuss sacrifices or scarcity. The tone is neutral.
Examples
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The power was out, so we had to go without electricity for three days.
The power was out, so we had to go without electricity for three days.
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If we don't buy groceries today, we will have to go without dinner.
If we don't buy groceries today, we will have to go without dinner.
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During the war, many families had to go without fresh fruit or meat.
During the war, many families had to go without fresh fruit or meat.
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I didn't have time for breakfast, so I'll just have to go without.
I didn't have time for breakfast, so I'll just have to go without.
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A human can only go without water for a few days before it becomes fatal.
A human can only go without water for a few days before it becomes fatal.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We had to go without of heating last winter.
✓ We had to go without heating last winter.
Do not use 'of' after 'go without'. The preposition 'without' directly connects to the noun or gerund.
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✗ I can't go without to drink coffee in the morning.
✓ I can't go without drinking coffee in the morning.
'Without' is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (verb+ing), not an infinitive.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I forgot my wallet, so I had to ___ lunch today.
💡 Survive or manage without having.
Show answer
go without
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How long can a plant ___ sunlight before it dies?
💡 Live or manage lacking something.
Show answer
go without