JLPT N1
~ことなしに
Without doing; without having
Structure
Verb-dictionary form + ことなしに
How it works
This phrase expresses that something cannot be achieved or will not happen unless a certain action is taken or a certain condition exists. It emphasizes the necessity of that action/condition.
Examples
協力することなしに、このプロジェクトは成功しないだろう。
Without cooperation, this project will probably not succeed.
Common mistakes
Using it in casual settings; it's quite formal and typically found in written or official contexts.
Tip
It's like a formal, stronger version of 「~しないで」 or 「~なくして」.
More JLPT N1 grammar
See ~ことなしに in real Japanese
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