I voluntarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I voluntarily" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an action was done by choice or without coercion. Example: "I voluntarily agreed to participate in the study because I believe in its importance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I voluntarily walked away from a promising career," she e-mailed.

The New York Times

"I recognize that this was a risk that I voluntarily accepted".

The New York Times

I've played team-based shooting games in which I voluntarily muted my teammates.

The Washington Post

That is why I voluntarily reported my inappropriate e-mail to the NBA.

The Washington Post

I voluntarily published my expenses in detail last year and... refused an increase in my salary".

The Guardian

"My contract of employment provided for a 12 month notice period, which I voluntarily waived in October of last year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

If he answers, "Of course I dressed voluntarily, I believe in free will," he will have misspoken, been incorrect.

Johns Hopkins University

Options for answering were "I applied voluntarily for teaching", "I was asked whether I would like to take over teaching lessons", and "I was allocated to teaching lessons without being asked".

BMC Medical Education

I kept thinking, I can't believe I'm voluntarily doing this".

Vice

I never even think that I'm here voluntarily, I'm just here.

The Guardian - Books

On four of them I was asked if I would voluntarily take the next plane.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context supports the intentional and deliberate nature of the action being described. "I voluntarily" is most effective when highlighting personal agency.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I voluntarily" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using alternatives like "I wanted to" or "I chose to" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I voluntarily" functions as a declarative statement where the subject ('I') performs an action ('voluntarily'). It emphasizes the willingness and lack of coercion in the action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I voluntarily" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that an action was performed willingly and without coercion. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of the setting; while accurate, "I voluntarily" might sound overly formal in informal conversations. Consider using alternatives like "I willingly" or "I chose to" in such cases. Ultimately, "I voluntarily" effectively communicates autonomy and personal agency in one's actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I willingly

Emphasizes eagerness and readiness in performing an action.

I freely

Highlights the absence of constraints or obligations.

I gladly

Indicates pleasure and enthusiasm in doing something.

I readily

Implies promptness and willingness without hesitation.

I intentionally

Stresses the deliberate and planned nature of the action.

I consciously

Highlights awareness and mindfulness in making the choice.

I purposefully

Indicates a specific aim or goal behind the action.

I proactively

Suggests taking initiative and acting in advance.

I on my own accord

Emphasizes independence and personal motivation.

Of my own free will

Formal way to express that an action was completely your own choice.

FAQs

What does "I voluntarily" mean?

The phrase "I voluntarily" means that you did something of your own free will, without being forced or coerced. It emphasizes that the action was your choice.

What are some alternatives to "I voluntarily"?

You can use alternatives such as "I willingly", "I freely", or "I chose to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I voluntarily" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I voluntarily" can sound formal in casual settings. Consider using more relaxed phrases like "I wanted to" or "I decided to".

How can I use "I voluntarily" in a sentence?

You can use "I voluntarily" to emphasize that you made a choice without pressure. For example, "I voluntarily participated in the research study" or "I voluntarily disclosed the information to the authorities."