Not vs Without

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Not	Without
Meaning	used to say something is false or not true	not having something
CEFR level	A1	A1
Part of speech	adverb	preposition
Usage notes	Use 'not' to negate statements in English. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using 'not' in overly formal writing where a more nuanced expression may be preferred.	Use 'without' to indicate the absence of something. It's neutral and used in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it in overly formal writing where alternatives might be preferred.

Frequently asked questions: Not vs Without

What's the difference between "Not" and "Without"?

"Not" means: used to say something is false or not true "Without" means: not having something

When should I use "Not" and "Without"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Not" and "Without" the same CEFR level?

"Not" is at A1, "Without" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.