With and without before nouns

The idea

Place with before a noun for something accompanying or included; use without for its absence.

Examples

• The soup comes with bread.
• I ordered tea without sugar.
• The child has a coat with pockets.
• We left without our umbrellas.
• A bicycle with a basket is outside.
• The room is quiet without music.

Watch out

Do not use without when the thing is present: with pockets means the pockets are included.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word: The salad has cheese. It comes ___ cheese. (with / without)

   Show answer or example answer

   with

   with: cheese is included in the salad.

2. Choose the correct word: There is no milk in my coffee. It is ___ milk. (with / without)

   Show answer or example answer

   without

   without: the coffee contains no milk.

3. Choose the correct word: This bag has handles. It is a bag ___ handles. (with / without)

   Show answer or example answer

   with

   with: the handles are part of the bag.

Use it today

Describe a meal and a bag, each with or without an object.