Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 6: 18/20

事無(ことな)くWithout ~ing

Structure

Verb + ことなく

Details

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    Formal

About ことなく

Like ないで 'without', ことなく is an expression used in Japanese following verbs that expresses (B) being done 'without (A)'. However; ことなく is used in more formal situations, and when there is some contrast between (A) and (B). This may appear in one of two ways, which we will discuss in a moment.

ことなく is a mix of こと, and なく, the adverbial form of ない. It will follow the dictionary form of verbs.

The first contrastive use of ことなく illustrates that (A) is something negative, to which (B) should be done as a preventative measure, or was able to be done while avoiding (A).

The second use of ことなく highlights when (A) is something that was or would be wished for, but unfortunately (B) happened without it being realized. In this way, (A) is frequently some kind of unmet desire.

Related

Examples

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    何(なに)ごとも理解(りかい)されることなく終(お)わる。

    It will end without me understanding anything.

    真実(しんじつ)を知(し)ることなく終(お)わる。

    It will end without me knowing the truth.

    遅(おく)れることなく到着(とうちゃく)した。

    To arrive without being late.

    耕(たがや)すことなく種(たね)を植(う)えても、うまくいくはずがない。

    Without tilling, even if you plant seeds, there is no way it will turn out well.

    うちの子(こ)には、散(ち)らかすことなく遊(あそ)ぶという特技(とくぎ)があります。

    Our child has a special skill where they can play without leaving things untidy.

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