With and without

With can mean ‘carrying’ or ‘having’.

• He wore a coat with four pockets. (= The coat has four pockets.)
• There I met a man with no legs.
• They have bought a house with a big garden.

With can also indicate what is used.

• Write with a pen.
• They filled the barrow with sand.

With may show association.

• I live with my husband and kids.
• Oil does not mix with water.

With is used after a number of adjectives which show how people are feeling towards others.

Angry with
Upset with
Furious with
Cross with
Pleased with
Patient with

With can indicate the manner in which something is done.

• I will do it with pleasure.

With can mean ‘at the same time as’ or ‘in the same way as’.

• A tree’s shadow moves with the sun.
• Swim with the tide.

With may indicate support or agreement.

• Are you with me or against me in this matter?

After certain verbs (e.g. fight, struggle, quarrel, argue, play etc.) with can be used with the same meaning as against.

• I don’t want to argue with you.
• Do you dare to fight with him?

Without is the opposite of with.

• We will be able to do it with your help.
• We won’t be able to do it without your help.

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