"without needing to <verb> + ..." vs "without the need of <verb + ing> + ..."

Question

I don't see which one is fits best:

it is awesome because you can do it without needing to send e-mails

or

it is awesome because you can do it without the need of sending e-mails

Also, are both correct or just one (or none...)?

Both are grammatically correct, I think, but I'd reject both and use "... you can do it without sending e-mails". — James Waldby - jwpat7, Commented Jul 13, 2012 at 4:14

cornbread ninja 麵包忍者 · Accepted Answer · 2012-07-13 00:39:22Z

8

The first one is correct. The second one can be corrected as:

It is awesome because you can do it without the need to send emails.

answered Jul 13, 2012 at 0:39

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3

A gerundophile could also say …without the need for sending e-mails.
– choster
Commented Jul 13, 2012 at 0:48
@choster of course! I'm so embarrassed. (._.)
– cornbread ninja 麵包忍者
Commented Jul 13, 2012 at 0:50
1

need of sending is OK, too.
– John Lawler
Commented Jul 13, 2012 at 0:55
3

My new word of the day: gerundophile. I am loving it.
– JAM
Commented Jul 13, 2012 at 1:25
@John Lawler - Why are "need of sending" and "need to send" both correct?
– user19148
Commented Jul 13, 2012 at 1:55

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RegDwigнt · Accepted Answer · 2013-04-10 09:19:28Z

Here are two samples where "without the need of", not "to", is used:

Apple's AirPlay May Soon Work Without The Need Of A Wifi Network
TAX REFUNDS: Income Tax refunds will be devoted each year, as periodic payments, to the plan’s funding until plan completion. The tender of such payments shall deem the plan modified by such amount, increasing the base thereby without the need of further notice, hearing or Court order. In [sic] need be for the use by debtor(s) of a portion of such refund, debtor(s) shall seek Court’s authorization prior to any use of funds.
— Source

I guess it's a matter of whether you use a verb or a noun after the phrase:

2 Answers 2