Verbる ともなく Verb
Verb-ru tomonaku Verb
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + ともなく + Verb
Used to express 'without a particular intention', 'unconsciously', or 'before one knows it'.
When to use
ともなく: without really meaning to (見るともなく見る). Same as ともなしに.
Explanation
The phrase VerbるともなくVerb indicates doing something unintentionally or unconsciously - you just find yourself doing it without a clear aim or intention.
Example sentences
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I found myself gazing out the window, not really looking at anything in particular.
Tooku o miru tomonaku mado no soto o nagameta.
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Without really knowing, I felt that he had left.
Shiru tomonaku, kare ga satta koto o kanjita.
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Without intending to read, I was just flipping through the pages of the book.
Hon o yomu tomonaku, peiji o mekutte ita.
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I was lying in bed without really intending to sleep.
Neru tomonaku, beddo ni yoko ni natte ita.