Instinctively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Instinctively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or reactions that occur naturally or without conscious thought. Example: "She instinctively reached for her phone when she heard the notification sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oaklander surmises that itch evolved as a way for humans instinctively to rid themselves of dangerous insects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both instinctively understood the ruinous consequences of communism, socialism and excessive government regulation.

The Guardian

And having done so on 19 September he instinctively knew that a swift resignation would aid the SNP in the eight months between the referendum and the 2015 general election.

The Guardian

But they all have to remember what the sociologists sometimes call "white heritage elderly" Brits – younger ones too – who are untravelled, perhaps less educated and instinctively wary of this multicultural stuff, not least because they suffer the downside.

The Guardian

And German critics are always instinctively sceptical when a play looks too polished – they fear it may cover up a lack of depth".

The Guardian

The party discovered that his suggestion continue to deter these voters, many of whom have instinctively conservative values, from voting Tory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Browne earlier said he was "instinctively uneasy" about restricting religious freedoms, but added there may be a case to act to protect girls who were too young to decide for themselves whether they wished to wear the veil or not.

The Guardian

She instinctively grasped the troubling connection between being sexy and being vulnerable, and kept herself centre stage even as she lost control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Friedman instinctively took the view that government intervention was more likely to do harm than good, and that the most government could do was to set an appropriate structure of rules - especially the rule of law - and leave the rest to competition and the freedom of the individual to choose in a system of free markets.

The Guardian

"It is important to keep trends in mind but not to go against what you feel instinctively is right for you.

The Guardian - Books

Big words, and although in Britain we move instinctively towards scepticism, perhaps we should give this process a chance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Instinctively" to vividly describe immediate, unwilled reactions, adding a layer of depth and authenticity to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "Instinctively" when describing actions that involve deliberate thought or planning. The word implies a lack of conscious decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "instinctively" modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, indicating that an action is performed automatically, without conscious thought. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "instinctively" describes immediate reactions or innate behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instinctively" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverb that describes actions performed automatically and without conscious thought. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and widespread usage of this term. It's essential to use "instinctively" to emphasize the unwilled, immediate nature of a response, differentiating it from actions based on logic or planning. While versatile across various contexts, it's predominantly found in news and media sources. Related alternatives include "intuitively" and "naturally", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By instinct

Emphasizes the role of innate behavior or natural impulse in driving the action.

Intuitively

Refers to understanding or knowing something without conscious reasoning; emphasizes insight.

Naturally

Indicates behavior that is typical or expected in a given situation; effortless and unforced.

Automatically

Implies a mechanical or programmed response without any thought or feeling involved.

From a gut feeling

Describes a sense of knowing or acting based on intuition rather than logic.

Spontaneously

Suggests an impulsive action arising from a sudden internal urge or feeling.

On impulse

Similar to spontaneously, emphasizing a sudden and unplanned action.

Involuntarily

Highlights that the action is performed without conscious control or decision.

Unconsciously

Highlights that the action is performed without the person being aware of it.

Without thinking

Directly points out the absence of conscious deliberation before the action.

FAQs

How can I use "Instinctively" in a sentence?

You can use "Instinctively" to describe actions that are performed without conscious thought or training. For example: "She "instinctively" reached out to catch the falling glass".

What are some alternatives to "Instinctively"?

Alternatives to "Instinctively" include "intuitively", "automatically", or "naturally". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "Instinctively" and "Intuitively"?

"Instinctively" refers to actions based on inherent or innate behaviors, while "intuitively" implies understanding or knowing something without conscious reasoning.

Is it correct to say someone "Instinctively knew" something?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. Using "Instinctively knew" suggests that the person understood or was aware of something through instinct rather than logical deduction. For example: "He "instinctively" knew something was wrong when he saw the empty room".