JLPT N1 grammar

〜なくして: meaning and usage

Meaning

Without A, B (can't be done, wouldn't be, etc.)

How to form it

  • nounなくして(は)
  • verb (dictionary form)ことなくして(は)

How it is used

Formal: 'without A, B cannot happen', stressing that A is essential; the second half is negative or similar (「難しい」). Means the same as 「〜なしには」; verbs take 「〜ことなくして」.

Examples

  1. 彼の力なくしては、我々は一勝も上げることはできなかったろう。

    Without his strength, we probably would not have even won a single game.

  2. 正確なデータなくして、正しい判断はできない。

    Without accurate data, you can't make a sound judgement.

  3. 何度も書き直すことなくして、いい文章は書けない。

    You can't write well without rewriting again and again.