At a glance
Verb ることなしに means "without doing [verb]". It is a formal, mostly written expression. It often states that something cannot happen unless the first action is done.
Verb (dictionary form) + ことなしに、[result]
努力することなしに成功はない。 There is no success without effort.
How to form it
Attach ことなしに to the dictionary form of the verb.
| Attaches to | Example | Register |
|---|---|---|
| う-verb (dictionary form) | 休む → 休むことなしに | Formal, mostly written |
| る-verb (dictionary form) | 得る → 得ることなしに | Formal, mostly written |
| する-verb | 努力する → 努力することなしに | Formal, mostly written |
| Noun | Not attached directly. Use Noun + なしに: 許可なしに | Formal |
The verb before ことなしに stays positive. The meaning "without" comes from なしに.