Deliberately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Deliberately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action done intentionally or on purpose. Example: "She deliberately chose to ignore the warning signs, believing everything would be fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Some believe the weather is already being shaped by "chemtrails" – aeroplane contrails deliberately laced with toxic chemicals – and mysterious weather warmongers are, for reasons unknown, making the eastern US unbearably chilly and California stricken by drought.

The Guardian

As demonstrators take to the streets for civil rights in Birmingham, Alabama, a police officer deliberately sets a dog on an unarmed man.

The Guardian - Arts

I couldn't say with absolute certainty that he is deliberately setting out to be regarded as the most unpleasant man in the business, but he is certainly making a good fist of it.

The Guardian - Sport

He acknowledged that his fellow members could have lied to him about who they voted for but claimed that Fifa deliberately tampered with the vote.

The Guardian - Sport

A crisis-hit hospital has been cleared of deliberately manipulating cancer treatment waiting times – with a review finding any failings were the result of managerial incompetence, not corruption.

The Guardian

She had been deliberately homeless ever since and could never bring herself to sleep inside a house.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is not the first time journalists have been deliberately targeted: Serb television was bombed during the Kosovo conflict because it was seen as an agent and advocate of state terrorism.

The Guardian

There could have been huge benefits to Europe in such convergence, but the process was deliberately sabotaged by US intelligence agencies, working from the hypothesis that a tie-up between the EU and a democratic Russia would pose a major threat to American long-term economic interests.

The Guardian

"Russia is more often than not trying deliberately to be a strategic rival, to deliberately counter the good things we're trying to achieve in the world for no other reason than to just counter them".

The Guardian

Some believe that he will embark on another frenzied round of killing before almost deliberately being caught.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deliberately" to emphasize that an action was not accidental or unintentional, adding clarity to the purpose behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "deliberately" when you mean to convey hesitation or slowness. "Deliberately" implies intention, while hesitation suggests uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "deliberately" functions primarily to modify verbs, indicating that an action was performed intentionally and consciously. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliberately" is a versatile adverb used to emphasize the intentionality behind actions. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "intentionally" or "purposely" can be used, it's important to avoid confusion with words suggesting hesitation. Using "deliberately" adds clarity by highlighting that an action was not accidental.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentionally

Indicates a direct and purposed intention behind an action.

purposely

Emphasizes the existence of a clear purpose or goal in the action.

on purpose

A more colloquial way to express intentionality.

by design

Highlights that something was planned or arranged in a specific way.

consciously

Focuses on the awareness and understanding during the action.

advisedly

Suggests that the action was carefully considered and deemed wise.

calculatedly

Implies a strategic and thoughtful approach to the action.

willfully

Indicates a stubborn or determined intention, often against advice.

with intent

Highlights the presence of a specific aim or objective.

by choice

Emphasizes the freedom and volition in making the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "deliberately" in a sentence?

You can use "deliberately" to describe actions done intentionally. For example, "She "deliberately" ignored the warning signs."

What are some alternatives to using "deliberately"?

Some alternatives include "intentionally", "purposely", or "on purpose", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "deliberately" or "intentionally"?

Both "deliberately" and "intentionally" are correct and often interchangeable. "Deliberately" might carry a slightly stronger connotation of careful consideration.

What's the difference between "deliberately" and "hesitantly"?

"Deliberately" implies a purposeful action, while "hesitantly" indicates a slow or reluctant action. They have opposite meanings.