What it means
ことなしに expresses doing one action without carrying out another action first. It follows the dictionary form of a verb and has a formal, written, and often somewhat emphatic tone. The construction can suggest that the omitted action would normally be expected or considered important, yet it was not performed.
Usage note
ことなしに is considerably more formal than ずに and ことなく, so it is especially common in written, academic, official, and serious contexts. It should not be confused with なしに, which can attach directly to some nouns and has a broader range of uses.
How to use it
彼は誰にも相談することなしに、新しい方針を決定しました。
He decided on a new policy without consulting anyone.
彼は誰にも相談することなしに、新しい方針を決定した。
He decided on a new policy without consulting anyone.
Example sentences
担当者は現地を確認することなしに、計画の承認を求めることはできない。
The person in charge cannot seek approval for the plan without inspecting the site.
彼は十分な検討をすることなしに、新しい制度の導入を決定した。
He decided to introduce the new system without conducting sufficient consideration.
医師は患者