Infinitive clauses for method (genom att, utan att)

Explaining methods with genom att

When you want to explain how something is done, use the phrase genom att (by) followed by an infinitive verb.

Notice that while English usually uses an -ing verb here (like "by reading" or "by practicing"), Swedish always uses the infinitive.

You solve the problem by reading the manual.
Du löser problemet genom att läsa manualen.
He improves his Swedish by practicing often.
Han förbättrar sin svenska genom att öva ofta.
They win the race by increasing the speed.
De vinner loppet genom att öka farten.

Expressing absence with utan att

To describe an action that happens while omitting something else, use utan att (without) plus an infinitive verb.

Again, where English uses an -ing form ("without saying"), Swedish sticks to the infinitive.

She leaves without saying goodbye.
Hon går utan att säga hej då.
We can work without stressing.
Vi kan jobba utan att stressa.
He solves the problem without stressing.
Han löser problemet utan att stressa.

Discussing conditions and risks

These infinitive clauses attach directly to your main clause to provide more context about the method or what is being avoided.

We save the company by cooperating.
Vi räddar företaget genom att samarbeta.
You cannot increase the speed without risking an accident.
Du kan inte öka farten utan att riskera en olycka.
I wonder if you can live without sleeping.
Jag undrar om man kan leva utan att sova.
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